I’ve flown well over a million miles on American Airlines and I’m sorry to say that I never got to fly with Bette Nash, the longest serving, oldest and arguably the airline’s best flight attendant.
I’ve heard from multiple friends, readers and news stories just how amazing Nash was. To give you an idea, Bette could have worked any route in the world she wanted but instead chose one of the most undesirable ones: the DC-NY-Boston Shuttle so she could be home every night to care for her son who has Down syndrome.
According to ABC News, “Nash began her career in Washington, D.C., in 1957 with Eastern Airlines, which later became American Airlines. In 2022, she was honored with the Guinness World Record title for longest-serving flight attendant.”
Unfortunately, after serving in the skies for nearly 67 years, Bette Nash died on Friday at 88 years old. An internal American Airlines flight attendant memo stated: “It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear colleague, Bette Nash, the longest-tenured flight attendant at American Airlines.”
One of the many people she touched was a flight attendant named Gina. Gina shared a video on her Instagram of Bette’s words of wisdom for her DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) training class.
“Thank you for making my training at AA unforgettable! The moment you walked in our aircraft mockup room, I became a total fangirl! I saw one of my biggest inspirations walk in with a smile to let us know she was ringing the bell that year (Oct. 2022). She still continued flying for a little while longer before, unfortunately becoming ill. Bette Nash gave her all to her passengers and to her family. Bette Nash holding the Guinness world record for longest serving Flight Attendant dedicated 67 years to the airline industry. She showed hard work and determination and enjoyed her job dearly. Thank you Bette Nash for inspiring flight attendants everywhere! God bless your soul. I pray you watch over us from the friendly skies above our dear Angel. ? RIP #BetteNash ? #RipBetteNash
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You can tell by some of the comments on social media just how special Bette was.
brittemauldin_conner: Every flight attendant knew who Miss Betty was whatever airline you flew for. Much respect! Rest in peace Betty.?
van.heest13: Once a mom always a mom. Even tho her son was a well over 60 year old man she made sure mama was always there ?️ continue to the soar the skies as your life was always in the clouds, but now you get to be the one to rest and enjoy the view. ✈️
travellishion: Rest in peace, sweet legend. ?
flitcroftrebecca: What an absolute legend. Fly high you beautiful human. ❤️
pierre.izzam: soar high Madam.. ❤️ we love you.. thank you for gracing the sky.
mrhotelman: Such an absolute sweetheart of a person. Always a class act.
fatboysnacks: Bette Nash!!!! I didn’t know she passed. ? She was amazing to fly with. Rest in the Sky, where you’ve spent so much of your life ??
My condolences to her family and thank you, Bette, for making air travel so much more pleasurable for so many passengers.
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