Most people work to live. But a woman has lived to work for more than 60 years. Bette Nash started working as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines, which is known as American Airlines these days. He has seen systems in his industry go from whiteboards to computers, and is now in Guinness World Records for his long and distinguished career as a flight attendant.
Bette began her sky-high career in 1957 when she was just 21 years old. At the beginning of his career, airline tickets cost around $12, and travelers did not need to make a flight reservation months in advance. The flight attendant also used to hand out Marlboro cigarettes and lobster on flights. During his many years of work in the sky, Nash has made quite an impression on passengers over the years. Many passengers have come forward and said that their best flights are the flights Nash works on. Serving in the sky for decades, Nash has become a celebrity in his own right.
Reflecting on her long and successful career, Nash said that being a flight attendant was always her dream. He said the job has fulfilled his love of connecting with people and seeing the world. The iconic flight attendant can even carry a passenger to the middle of the aisle to perform CPR, which is a mandatory requirement every year.
Even after years, even decades, of being in the industry for her career, Nash said that being a flight attendant has been the perfect path for her.
Nash added that he couldn’t have chosen a better career path. “It’s just been the perfect career path. It’s given me an outlet for my love of people, and I like to think I’ve provided good service to others,” he gushed.
After many years of being a superstar in the sky, frequent fliers have given it rave reviews. In 2017, a passenger told The Daily Mail: “I think the most amazing and impressive thing about Bette is the way she heats up the whole plane. You walk, you meet her, she knows your name, she remembers the conversation you had.” was having with you yesterday or last week or a month ago.”
Nash said he appreciates his customers and hopes to see his frequent flyers often, too. “I love my people. I love being on the same flight all the time because I know my customers,” he said. Nash also added that he enjoys impacting people’s journeys in a positive way.
“I really enjoy my three-minute conversations on board. And I’m often amazed at the work, travel and interesting lives people have. As long as you’re healthy and able, why not work? It’s still fun.” Nash said.
Nash admitted that even when he thought about retiring, he couldn’t leave his happy place. “Even when I think I might retire, I come to work and I’m like, ‘I can’t do that,’” he said.