Bette Nash, Longest Working Flight Attendant, Manassas Resident, Dies

MANASSAS, VA — Bette Nash, a Manassas resident who was the longest-working flight attendant, died at age 88.

Nash had been serving passengers traveling by air for almost 67 years, ABC News reported. She died on May 17 while in hospice care after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She last worked for American Airlines but was not technically retired.

"We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air," American Airlines shared in a statement. "She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant. Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette."

Nash had been 21 when she responded to a hiring initiative by Eastern Air Lines, the Washington Post previously reported. According to ABC News, she had to be single and was regularly weighed to meet the airline's requirements.

Nash had worked for decades as air travel changed significantly, American Airlines said in a news release for her 60th work anniversary. Ticket prices were as low as $12 and didn't require reservations when she started. She also flew with the Kennedys and served meals like lobster and carved meat on platters. She witnessed air travel grow since the 1950s and saw more security protocols since the Sept. 11, 2011 terrorist attacks.

Nash has been based at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and got to choose her route as the most senior flight attendant. While working many routes over the years, she preferred the D.C. to Boston route, which became known as the "Nash-Dash" to frequent flyers. That allowed her to return to Manassas and take care of her son with Down syndrome. She celebrated 60 years of flight attendant service in 2017.

"My favorite part of flying over the years has been greeting my passengers as they board and deplane," Nash said in 2017 via American Airlines. "People really are fascinating and it’s truly been a joy."