She's Been a Flight Attendant for 60 Years

It's not all bad news for American Airlines: Last week, the carrier honored flight attendant Bette Nash for reaching the 60-year milestone.

Nash began her career with air shuttle service pioneer Eastern Airlines—now American Airlines—in 1957.

She recalls how passengers used to purchase life insurance from a vending machine before paying their airfare on the plane back in the day. What's more, her beloved Washington, D.C. to Boston route, which she flies several times a week, cost as little as $12 one way.

Things have changed dramatically since then.

"We used to pass out cigarettes and matches on the flight, after the meal service. I would go around with Kent’s and Marlboros," Nash told WJLA-TV.

Flight attendants were also under intense pressure to maintain a certain image.

"You had to be a certain height, you had to be a certain weight. It used to be horrible. You put on a few pounds and you had to keep weighing yourself, and then if you stayed that way, they would take you off the payroll," she added.

Nash was recognized for her decades of service at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia Friday. American Airlines chairman and CEO, Doug Parker was also on hand for the ceremony, announcing a $10,000 donation to Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Bank in Nash's name.

OMG, it's a Bette Nash Jubilee. Follow along & celebrate her 60yrs of service. #AATeam

Snap: @Americanair | IG: https://t.co/8SmPl5aJ4U pic.twitter.com/DW8jUHlvuk

— American Airlines (@AmericanAir) November 3, 2017

"Bette has taken care of millions of our customers, around the world, for the past six decades," said Parker in a statement. "It’s the simple things that she does each day, like greet customers with a warm smile, friendly hello and thanking them for their business that has added to her legacy and ability to create an airline that customers want to fly.

"On behalf of Bette’s more than 120,000 fellow team members, we are honored to celebrate her and her milestone 60 years of service today."

READ MORE: Flight Attendant’s Note Comforts Grieving Passenger

As the airline's most senior flight attendant, Nash has her pick of any route. However, she's chosen the D.C.-Boston route time and again since 1961.

"I think what is most amazing and impressive about Bette is the way she warms up the entire aircraft," said frequent flyer Simon Johnson. "You walk on, you meet her, she knows your name, she remembers the conversation that she was having with you yesterday or last week or a month ago."

Nash also received a pair of diamond earrings to mark her diamond jubilee.

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