Meet Bette Nash: Guinness World Record hostess.
Have you ever met an 86-year-old flight attendant? If so, it was Bette Nash, stewardess who has of [...]
American Airlines
Oneworld
Have you ever met an 86-year-old flight attendant? If so, was it Bette Nash, a stewardess who recently updated her milestone in Guinness World Records. In late 2022 she will get to celebrate her 65th anniversary as a stewardess (the previous record was held by a flight attendant with 63 years and 61 days behind her, Ron Akana of United, who retired in 2012). A very long career that, for now, she has no plans to interrupt.
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He is still aboard theAmerican Airlines, which means being able to meet her, if someone wanted to take part in her record in this way, on the line between New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston. She is a regular, so meeting her is very likely on this shuttle.
The story of Bette Nash
Bette Nash's career began way back in 1957. A very different era, in which flight attendants had to follow very strict guidelines in order not to lose their jobs. This was compounded by emotional management of passengers, many of whom were frightened: "You had to be a certain height and within a specific weight. Something horrible. If you put on a few pounds you had to keep weighing yourself to prove you had lost it. Otherwise they would take you off the payroll." These were his words to WJLA in 2017 on his 60th anniversary.
Things have obviously changed, from the standpoint of people, internal regulations, and flight safety. That is why Nash continues to take required refresher courses taught by the Federal Aviation Administration. Definitely different are also the fees. The woman recounted how the New York-Washington route cost as little as $12 at the time.
Four years ago today we flew with Bette Nash for her 60th anniversary at @AmericanAir. At 85 years old, Bette Nash is still flying and is the most senior and longest-serving flight attendant in the world. pic.twitter.com/D3wF7Vmje1
- Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) October 5, 2021
Did you get your flight cancelled, miss your connection, land late?
You could get up to 600€ compensation per person
Bette Nash: record-breaking hostess
American Airlines cares deeply about its record-breaking flight attendant. On the occasion of the 60th in 2017, the carrier had explained how she is free to choose which routes to fly. The fact that she operates on the shuttle between New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston is her choice. It is a form of loyalty to her customers as well as her family's needs. Long-time passengers greatly appreciate her treatment.
Here are the words of an American Airlines Boston Shuttle regular. His name is Simon Johnson: "Her presence manages to warm up the whole plane. I think that's the most surprising and impressive thing about Bette. When you get on, you meet her and she knows your name. She remembers the chats we had on previous flights, whether it's yesterday, the week before or a month ago."
When the carrier publishes posts about her, her loyal passengers are not long in coming. Lots of comments, such as that of Kathleen Welling: "Bette is the best of the best. I am always thrilled when I see her. She knows every regular by name. She is truly the embodiment of grace. American Airlines is very lucky to have her. She is a gem."
The relationship established with regular passengers is one of the main reasons why the record-breaking stewardess continues to do this job. She is proud of the bonds she has been able to forge over the years: "My favorite part of flying is always greeting the passengers, both at boarding and disembarking. The people are really charming and it's a joy."
