Current:Home > NewsNation's longest-serving flight attendant dies at 88: "Fly high, Bette" -×
Nation's longest-serving flight attendant dies at 88: "Fly high, Bette"
View
Date:2025-04-17 23:21:23
The nation's longest-serving flight attendant has died of cancer at 88 years old, according to statements from American Airlines and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants.
Bette Nash started flying with Eastern Airlines in 1957. The D.C.-based flight attendant preferred to work the American Shuttle flight from Washington, D.C., to Boston, because it let her be home every night. She planned to just fly for a few years, but in the end, wound up taking care of passengers for nearly seven decades.
The name on the plane kept changing - from Eastern Airlines to Trump Shuttle, U.S. Air Shuttle and now American Airlines - but Nash stayed. Frequent fliers on the route even came to recognize her.
"The people are exactly the same," Nash said in a conversation with CBS News in 2017. "Everybody needs a little love."
"We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air," American Airlines said in a statement on social media. "She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant. Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette."
We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air. She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant. Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette. pic.twitter.com/XFTXyvsqFI
— americanair (@AmericanAir) May 25, 2024
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the union which represents American Airlines flight attendants, told CBS News it was saddened by Nash's passing.
"Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time. Bette will always be an integral part of our history, and she will not be forgotten," the organization said.
- In:
- American Airlines
Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.
TwitterveryGood! (151)
Related
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- China's defense minister defends intercepting U.S. destroyer in Taiwan Strait
- How Georgia reduced heat-related high school football deaths
- Seeing God’s Hand in the Deadly Floods, Yet Wondering about Climate Change
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Joe Manchin on his political future: Everything's on the table and nothing off the table
- GOP Rep. Garret Graves says he's not ruling out a government shutdown after debt ceiling fight
- Today’s Climate: May 3, 2010
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Some bars are playing a major role in fighting monkeypox in the LGBTQ community
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Too Cozy with Coal? Group Charges Feds Are Rubber-Stamping Mine Approvals
- I Tested Out Some Under-the-Radar Beauty Products From CLE Cosmetics— Here's My Honest Review
- Breaking This Met Gala Rule Means Celebs Won’t Get Invited Back
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- How can we help humans thrive trillions of years from now? This philosopher has a plan
- Millions of Americans will soon be able to buy hearing aids without a prescription
- Joe Manchin on his political future: Everything's on the table and nothing off the table
Recommendation
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Exxon’s Business Ambition Collided with Climate Change Under a Distant Sea
This Bestselling $9 Concealer Has 114,000+ 5-Star Amazon Reviews
Billie Eilish’s Sneaky Met Gala Bathroom Selfie Is Everything We Wanted
Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
Cash App Founder Bob Lee's Cause of Death Revealed
Millions of Americans will soon be able to buy hearing aids without a prescription
Alarming Rate of Forest Loss Threatens a Crucial Climate Solution