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Bette Nash: 80-Year-Old Flight Attendant Still Making Skies Friendly

Barbara Griffin03 mins

The Journey of Bette Nash: A Flight Attendant’s Legacy

Bette Nash, a seasoned flight attendant, has committed nearly six decades to the skies, showcasing a remarkable evolution in air travel. This article delves into her experiences and the significant changes in the airline industry over the years.

Bette Nash, pictured here in 1958 in her Eastern Airlines uniform, has served as a flight attendant for nearly six decades.
Growing up with the airlines — Bette Nash, pictured here in 1958 in her Eastern Airlines uniform, has served as a flight attendant for nearly six decades.

The Allure of Flight Attending

“I wanted to be a flight attendant from the time I got on the first airplane,” Nash recalls. The allure of the profession captivated her as she witnessed the interaction between the pilots and flight attendants, solidifying her dream.

When she first took flight, planes were a place of luxury -- almost a vacation in itself. It was a sophisticated party in the air, where everyone wore their Sunday best and ate lobster on real china.
When she first took flight, planes were a place of luxury — almost a vacation in itself. It was a sophisticated party in the air, where everyone wore their Sunday best and ate lobster on real china.

The Evolution of Training

Flight attendant training underwent significant transformation over decades. Nash humorously describes it, stating, “People called it ‘Charm School’ in those days. They took you to the beauty parlor and cut all your hair off and plucked your eyebrows.”

Around 1970, Nash explains, the look started getting a little radical, with pantsuits, bold colors, short dresses and really big hair. 'At one point we even went to hot pants.'
Around 1970, Nash explains, the look started getting a little radical, with pantsuits, bold colors, short dresses and really big hair. ‘At one point we even went to hot pants.’

Changes in the Airline Industry

When Nash began her career in the 1950s, the airline experience was vastly different. All flight schedules were managed with chalk on a blackboard, highlighting a time when regulations were printed in physical manuals rather than digital formats.

When Nash first began flying in the '50s, all flight schedules were chalked up on a blackboard, and manuals and regulations came in book form. Pictured: An archive image of incoming and outgoing flights being chalked up circa 1945.
When Nash first began flying in the ’50s, all flight schedules were chalked up on a blackboard, and manuals and regulations came in book form. Pictured: An archive image of incoming and outgoing flights being chalked up circa 1945.

In conclusion, Bette Nash’s experiences reflect the rich history of air travel and provide insights into how the role of flight attendants has evolved. Her dedication and adaptability have made her a symbol of excellence in the airline industry.


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