A major study analyzing more than 12 million death certificates has found that pilots and flight attendants face some of the highest rates of radiation-related cancer deaths among U.S. workers. Researchers say prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation at high altitudes may increase the risk of cancers including leukemia, melanoma, breast and thyroid cancer, raising fresh concerns about the long-term health risks faced by airline crews.

Study warns pilots face hidden cancer risk from cosmic radiation

A shocking video doing the rounds on social media shows&nbsp;an Easyjet passenger fighting with police and airline staff upon landing at Turkey's Antalya Airport. The incident, reported by Sky News, occurred around 8:15 pm on Saturday (April 20). The unruly passenger, wearing a Celtic Football Club shirt, shouted insults and made aggressive gestures. He even hit the aircraft's roof and assaulted a Turkish police officer and a female airline employee while other passengers, including a young girl, watched in fear.

Watch the video here:

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A fight broke out on an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/easyJet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#easyJet</a> flight from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Edinburgh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Edinburgh</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Antalya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Antalya</a>, on April 20. When the aircraft landed at Antalya Airport, police were called on board.The passenger hit another passenger, and then he hit the police officer too. 
 
🎥©Scott Johnston via <a href="https://twitter.com/HavaSosyalMedya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HavaSosyalMedya</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Turkey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Turkey</a> <a href="https://t.co/WDyR5SN0ue">pic.twitter.com/WDyR5SN0ue</a>
— FlightMode (@FlightModeblog) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlightModeblog/status/1782302122433716731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Authorities eventually subdued the violent passenger and escorted him off the plane.

A fellow passenger mentioned that the soccer enthusiast had been causing disturbances throughout the flight, which departed from Edinburgh.&nbsp;The witness recounted, "Another passenger told him he was disgracing the Celtic jersey, and that's when he snapped."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-airlines-plane-bound-for-japan-forced-to-return-to-gate-after-engine-trouble-702162">Also read |&nbsp;United Airlines plane, bound for Japan, forced to return to gate after engine trouble</a>

Notably, Celtic, a renowned Scottish soccer team, defeated Aberdeen to reach the Scottish Cup final that Saturday. Other passengers said that he had been drinking alcohol during the flight.

Easyjet verified to The Daily Record that police intervened on a flight to Antalya on April 20 due to a disruptive passenger.

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Easyjet stated: "EasyJet can confirm that police attended a flight to Antalya on 20 April on arrival due to a passenger behaving disruptively on board. EasyJet's crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of passengers is not compromised at any time. Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour. The safety and well-being of all our customers and crew is always our highest priority."

(With inputs from agencies)

A shocking video doing the rounds on social media shows an Easyjet passenger fighting with police and airline staff upon landing at Turkey's Antalya Airport. The incident, reported by Sky News, occurred around 8:15 pm on Saturday (April 20).

A shocking video doing the rounds on social media shows an Easyjet passenger fighting with police and airline staff upon landing at Turkey's Antalya Airport. The incident, reported by Sky News, occurred around 8:15 pm on Saturday (April 20). The unruly passenger, wearing a Celtic Football Club shirt, shouted insults and made aggressive gestures. He even hit the aircraft's roof and assaulted a Turkish police officer and a female airline employee while other passengers, including a young girl, watched in fear. Watch the video here: A fight broke out on an #easyJet flight from #Edinburgh to #Antalya, on April 20. When the aircraft landed at Antalya Airport, police were called on board.The passenger hit another passenger, and then he hit the police officer too. 🎥©Scott Johnston via @HavaSosyalMedya#Turkey pic.twitter.com/WDyR5SN0ue — FlightMode (@FlightModeblog) April 22, 2024 × Authorities eventually subdued the violent passenger and escorted him off the plane. A fellow passenger mentioned that the soccer enthusiast had been causing disturbances throughout the flight, which departed from Edinburgh. The witness recounted, "Another passenger told him he was disgracing the Celtic jersey, and that's when he snapped." Also read | United Airlines plane, bound for Japan, forced to return to gate after engine trouble Notably, Celtic, a renowned Scottish soccer team, defeated Aberdeen to reach the Scottish Cup final that Saturday. Other passengers said that he had been drinking alcohol during the flight. Easyjet verified to The Daily Record that police intervened on a flight to Antalya on April 20 due to a disruptive passenger. Easyjet stated: "EasyJet can confirm that police attended a flight to Antalya on 20 April on arrival due to a passenger behaving disruptively on board. EasyJet's crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of passengers is not compromised at any time. Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour. The safety and well-being of all our customers and crew is always our highest priority." (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Drunk EasyJet passenger throws punches at cops, flight attendants

According to two flight attendants, United Airlines hires young, slender female flight attendants on its charter flights for the Los Angeles Dodgers at their request.

Two flight attendants sue united airlines

Two flight attendants have accused United Airlines of staffing young, white and thin female attendants on its charter flights for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the team's request.

Two flight attendants have accused United Airlines of staffing young, white and thin female attendants on its charter flights for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the team's request. According to the suit filed on Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, United Airlines removed female flight attendants from the Dodgers charter flights because they belonged to the minority. They replaced them with "young, white and thin women, who did not have to interview for the highly coveted positions" at the team's request. Darby Quezada, 44, and Dawn Todd, 50, have worked for United Airlines for over 15 years. Quezada is of Black, Mexican and Jewish descent, and Todd is Black, Los Angeles Daily News reported. They alleged that United employees who were white engaged in racism, discrimination, and antisemitism towards minority flight attendants on the Dodgers charter flights. Quezada claimed they called her "the flight's maid" as they needed "a Mexican to clean the bathrooms." They told her to stop speaking Spanish because "we are in America. She received antisemitic comments like, "You know Jesus died for you even if you don't believe" and "You don't look Jewish." ALSO READ | Decoding Mercedes-Benz's grim outlook on global EV market Dawn Todd claimed she faced retaliation after reporting the demotion of Black flight attendants and the denial of benefits and perks to Black flight attendants on Dodgers flights, in addition to the racism and ageism she experienced. The plaintiff's attorney, Sam S Yebri, stated, "Major American corporations like United Airlines must understand that it is illegal to make staffing decisions based on an employee's race and looks." He added, "United's blatantly discriminatory staffing decisions on the flights allowed the cancer of racism and antisemitism to metastasize themselves." "United's charter airline program for professional sports teams has a long, troubled history," said the latest lawsuit. "For years, United's Inflight Charter Program has been riddled with allegations of discrimination, racism and sexism." United Airlines has denied the accusations. Charles Hobart, a United spokesman, told City News Service, "United Airlines fosters an environment of inclusion and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We believe this lawsuit is without merit and intend to defend ourselves vigorously." Crew members working on Dodgers charter flights get paid more for longer trips, receive better accommodations and higher allowances, and often receive valuable sports tickets, passes and merchandise, as per the latest lawsuit. Black and Jewish flight attendants at United Airlines filed a similar complaint against the company in 2020. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Two flight attendants sue United Airlines for staffing Dodgers flights with 'young, white, thin' women

China-based Hainan Airlines has been facing criticism for its policy of suspending flight attendants if they are above a certain weight limit. The carrier has defended the move of imposing weight requirements after the report went viral on social media platforms.&nbsp;

State-run Global Times reported that Chinese airlines issued guidelines to its cabin crew earlier this month, which stated that if female flight attendants would exceed the "standard limit" by 10 per cent, they would be immediately grounded.

The guideline basically outlines specific weight control and body size standards for female flight attendants at different levels and is based on a formula, which calculated the limit considering the height of the flight attendants. The formula is — "height (cm) -110= standard weight (kg)".&nbsp;

As mentioned in the report, the flight attendants who were suspended would be put on a company-supervised "weight-reduction plan". The report referred to a statement, which read that if female flight attendants are less than five&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;overweight, their weight will be monitored on a monthly basis to prevent crew members from gaining weight.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-long-will-you-make-us-wait-passengers-furious-after-airlines-delay-flights-amid-inclement-weather-603311">'How long will you make us wait': Passengers furious after airlines delay flights amid inclement weather</a>&nbsp;

Global Times also mentioned in its report that a civil aviation employee said that the weight requirement policy by Hainan Airlines for female flight attendants is unprecedented in the domestic aviation industry.&nbsp;

A legal expert was interviewed by the media regarding the matter and the person raised concerns over the weight requirements, stating that the move imposes additional labour obligations on employees without following proper legal procedures.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;his report:&nbsp;

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahmedabad-bound-indigo-airlines-flight-veers-off-course-into-pakistan-airspace-report-603142">Ahmedabad-bound IndiGo Airlines flight veers off course into Pakistan airspace: Report</a>&nbsp;

While responding to the same, Hainan Airlines confirmed to CNN on Monday that they used a "weight reference standard". However, it noted that the policy is applied to all flight attendants regardless of gender.&nbsp;

The airline also said the measure "cannot be interpreted as a simple criterion to suspend a flight attendant as some media did".&nbsp;

The airline said that the standard is "based on the standard human body weight reference and matched with the healthy weight range measurement for the crew".&nbsp;

It further added that the rules are used to evaluate and manage the crew's "health, physical shape and posture".&nbsp;

"This is intended to advocate healthy living habits and maintain a good professional image and healthy physique by anchoring the reference target, rather than passively waiting for individual crew members’ physique to change significantly and then affect safety service work," it added.&nbsp;

Global Times quoted an employee surnamed Huang, who has worked for the airline, told the media: "If airlines deprive overweight flight attendants of the right to work normally purely because of visual aesthetic considerations, this is definitely employment discrimination. The introduction and implementation of such regulations have no respect for flight attendants."&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

China-based Hainan Airlines has been facing criticism for its policy of suspending flight attendants if they are above a certain weight limit. The carrier has defended the move of imposing weight requirements after the report went viral on social media platforms.

China-based Hainan Airlines has been facing criticism for its policy of suspending flight attendants if they are above a certain weight limit. The carrier has defended the move of imposing weight requirements after the report went viral on social media platforms. State-run Global Times reported that Chinese airlines issued guidelines to its cabin crew earlier this month, which stated that if female flight attendants would exceed the "standard limit" by 10 per cent, they would be immediately grounded. The guideline basically outlines specific weight control and body size standards for female flight attendants at different levels and is based on a formula, which calculated the limit considering the height of the flight attendants. The formula is — "height (cm) -110= standard weight (kg)". As mentioned in the report, the flight attendants who were suspended would be put on a company-supervised "weight-reduction plan". The report referred to a statement, which read that if female flight attendants are less than five per cent overweight, their weight will be monitored on a monthly basis to prevent crew members from gaining weight. Also read: 'How long will you make us wait': Passengers furious after airlines delay flights amid inclement weather Global Times also mentioned in its report that a civil aviation employee said that the weight requirement policy by Hainan Airlines for female flight attendants is unprecedented in the domestic aviation industry. A legal expert was interviewed by the media regarding the matter and the person raised concerns over the weight requirements, stating that the move imposes additional labour obligations on employees without following proper legal procedures. Watch his report: × Also read: Ahmedabad-bound IndiGo Airlines flight veers off course into Pakistan airspace: Report While responding to the same, Hainan Airlines confirmed to CNN on Monday that they used a "weight reference standard". However, it noted that the policy is applied to all flight attendants regardless of gender. The airline also said the measure "cannot be interpreted as a simple criterion to suspend a flight attendant as some media did". The airline said that the standard is "based on the standard human body weight reference and matched with the healthy weight range measurement for the crew". It further added that the rules are used to evaluate and manage the crew's "health, physical shape and posture". "This is intended to advocate healthy living habits and maintain a good professional image and healthy physique by anchoring the reference target, rather than passively waiting for individual crew members’ physique to change significantly and then affect safety service work," it added. Global Times quoted an employee surnamed Huang, who has worked for the airline, told the media: "If airlines deprive overweight flight attendants of the right to work normally purely because of visual aesthetic considerations, this is definitely employment discrimination. The introduction and implementation of such regulations have no respect for flight attendants." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's Hainan Airlines to ground 'overweight' female flight attendants

Singapore Airlines has finally ended its controversial rule of firing pregnant cabin crew after it faced a lot of criticism over the years. The company clarified that the cabin crew “may choose to work in a temporary ground attachment” during their pregnancy.

Singapore Airlines ends controversial policy of firing pregnant flight attendants

Singapore Airlines has finally ended its controversial rule of firing pregnant cabin crew after it faced a lot of criticism over the years. Following a report by Strait Times, the company clarified that the cabin crew “may choose to work in a temporary ground attachment” during their pregnancy.&nbsp;

Earlier, the company rules stated that any flight crew, who informed the authorities about their pregnancy, was put on leave without any pay and was forced to quit after the birth of the child. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-updates-live-russian-strike-kills-seven-at-market-in-east-ukraine-governor-524760" hreflang="en">Russia-Ukraine war LIVE | Nord Stream leaks are 'int'l terrorism': Putin</a>

According to the report, the women were not even allowed to do the groundwork for the airline and if they wanted to work after the pregnancy, they had to submit a fresh application with the company.&nbsp;

The rule has been the same since the airline was launched and even in 2010, they faced strict criticism from gender equality groups all around the world for sticking to ‘archaic” regulations.&nbsp;

However, the situation has changed quite a bit due to the labour shortage resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the new rules which came into effect on July 15, the women will be allowed to resume their work after their pregnancy and will also be granted sufficient maternity leaves.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leak-detected-in-polish-part-of-druzhba-pipeline-between-russia-and-germany-524684" hreflang="en">Leak in Russia-Europe Druzhba pipeline, looks like ‘accident’, says Polish operator</a>

In the official statement, the airline said that it will now allow&nbsp;“ground placements for pregnant cabin crew last for at least three months and as long as nine months" under the new rules.&nbsp;

There is still one point of contention as the cabin crew will still be placed on leave without pay if they want a cabin job and if they will be free to apply for ground staff work during the pregnancy.&nbsp;

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Singapore Airlines has finally ended its controversial rule of firing pregnant cabin crew after it faced a lot of criticism over the years. Following a report by Strait Times, the company clarified that the cabin crew “may choose to work in a temporary ground attachment” during their pregnancy.

Singapore Airlines has finally ended its controversial rule of firing pregnant cabin crew after it faced a lot of criticism over the years. Following a report by Strait Times, the company clarified that the cabin crew “may choose to work in a temporary ground attachment” during their pregnancy. Earlier, the company rules stated that any flight crew, who informed the authorities about their pregnancy, was put on leave without any pay and was forced to quit after the birth of the child. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war LIVE | Nord Stream leaks are 'int'l terrorism': Putin According to the report, the women were not even allowed to do the groundwork for the airline and if they wanted to work after the pregnancy, they had to submit a fresh application with the company. The rule has been the same since the airline was launched and even in 2010, they faced strict criticism from gender equality groups all around the world for sticking to ‘archaic” regulations. However, the situation has changed quite a bit due to the labour shortage resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the new rules which came into effect on July 15, the women will be allowed to resume their work after their pregnancy and will also be granted sufficient maternity leaves. Also read | Leak in Russia-Europe Druzhba pipeline, looks like ‘accident’, says Polish operator In the official statement, the airline said that it will now allow “ground placements for pregnant cabin crew last for at least three months and as long as nine months" under the new rules. There is still one point of contention as the cabin crew will still be placed on leave without pay if they want a cabin job and if they will be free to apply for ground staff work during the pregnancy.

Singapore Airlines ends controversial rule of firing pregnant flight attendants

In a major landmark decision, Delta Air Lines in the US has decided to pay flight attendants for ‘boarding time’. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is the time when passengers enter the aircraft before take-off. The airline, which has become the first major US airline to do so, will pay half of the hourly rates of the flight attendants when customers board. &nbsp;

Earlier, flight attendants were only paid once the aircraft doors were closed. The payout will be made from June 2, CNBC said citing a company memo. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-half-us-adults-three-out-of-four-children-have-had-covid-report-474230" hreflang="en">More than half US adults, three out of four children have had Covid: Report</a>

The time of boarding for "narrow-body flights" will also rise from 35 to 40 minutes, as "one of several steps we’re taking to add resiliency to our operation,” the Atlanta-based airline company said. &nbsp;

This comes as a recent effort for unionisation of flight attendants has gained popularity. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Till now, around 20,000 flight attendants of the Delta are not unionised, unlike other big air carriers in the US, the outlet said. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US' missile destroyer sailed through Taiwan strait, US clarifies on warship sailing

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In 2019, a campaign of a union was started by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA). It is seeking to organise and hold a mass unionisation. This association is currently represented by the cabin crews of other major airlines like Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Frontier Airlines. &nbsp;

In a statement on Monday, the AFA, said, "As we get closer to filing for our union vote, management is getting nervous. Today, let’s celebrate that our organising is pushing management to do more than they would have without being challenged. And let’s double down on our campaign, so we can secure a contract that locks in all of these benefits." &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a major landmark decision, Delta Air Lines in the US has decided to pay flight attendants for ‘boarding time’. It is the time when passengers enter the aircraft before take-off.

In a major landmark decision, Delta Air Lines in the US has decided to pay flight attendants for ‘boarding time’. It is the time when passengers enter the aircraft before take-off. The airline, which has become the first major US airline to do so, will pay half of the hourly rates of the flight attendants when customers board. Earlier, flight attendants were only paid once the aircraft doors were closed. The payout will be made from June 2, CNBC said citing a company memo. Also Read | More than half US adults, three out of four children have had Covid: Report The time of boarding for "narrow-body flights" will also rise from 35 to 40 minutes, as "one of several steps we’re taking to add resiliency to our operation,” the Atlanta-based airline company said. This comes as a recent effort for unionisation of flight attendants has gained popularity. Till now, around 20,000 flight attendants of the Delta are not unionised, unlike other big air carriers in the US, the outlet said. Watch: US' missile destroyer sailed through Taiwan strait, US clarifies on warship sailing × In 2019, a campaign of a union was started by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA). It is seeking to organise and hold a mass unionisation. This association is currently represented by the cabin crews of other major airlines like Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Frontier Airlines. In a statement on Monday, the AFA, said, "As we get closer to filing for our union vote, management is getting nervous. Today, let’s celebrate that our organising is pushing management to do more than they would have without being challenged. And let’s double down on our campaign, so we can secure a contract that locks in all of these benefits." WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Delta becomes first major US airline to pay flight attendants for ‘boarding time’

American Airlines Flight 2160 from Boston has just arrived in Washington, D.C., and Bette Nash, 81, helps the passengers disembark. They embrace her, take photos, and express their thanks. It&#39;s always like this. After six decades crossing the skies as a flight attendant, Nash still has impeccable style, incredible energy and a constant smile. She has lost only one thing: her anonymity.

Kendra Taylor, a passenger, beams after taking a selfie with the octogenarian, whom she had hoped to meet.

&quot;When I saw her I was like, &#39;Oh my gosh.&#39; I just saw her on TV last week!&quot; In a dark suit accented by a coloured scarf, with her hair in a bun, Nash lends herself to accolades and plays with the compliments. She is the undisputed star of the Airbus jet, rather than the captain, Mike Margiotta, who emerges from the flight deck. &quot;Very professional,&quot; he says of his model hostess. &quot;She&#39;s got that old-school way of doing things.&quot;

In the United States, pilots must retire at 65 but there is no such restriction on commercial flight attendants, of whom Bette Nash is probably the world&#39;s most senior. See her gliding through the terminal concourse, pulling her suitcase, and it&#39;s hard not to be taken by the admiring words one hears about her.

&quot;I start my day at 2:10 in the morning. I have two alarm clocks and when they go off I don&#39;t lie there, I get up,&quot; Nash says. At her home in Virginia, bordering Washington, Nash prepares food for her only son, who is disabled, and who will be waiting for her return to solid ground. 
 
Primped, and fueled by &quot;a couple of eggs,&quot; she arrives before sunrise at Ronald Reagan National Airport.

Nash prefers the Washington-Boston-Washington route, on which she gets priority because of her incomparable seniority. She was 21 years young and Dwight Eisenhower was president when Eastern Air Lines recruited her as a &quot;stewardess,&quot; a word which -- like Eastern itself -- has disappeared from use. 
 
At that time, travel by air was the preserve of a certain elite. &quot;There were a lot of men because they were doing business, and women came on with their fur coats, and their finery and their hats and everything.

You didn&#39;t have... the flip-flops and the sneakers and things you do today,&quot; Nash says. Her own uniforms ranged, through the years, from conservative to elegant, and &quot;wild.&quot; 
 
&quot;When (president) John Kennedy came into office and everything, things started opening up, so we wore crazy uniforms.

We even had hot pants for a brief period, and these boots,&quot; she remembers. In those earlier times, which seem almost prehistoric, there were no plastic meal trays. Hostesses cooked lobster and duck a l&#39;orange equally well, and carved the meat. In the first class, passengers dined with silverware and porcelain.

&quot;We had five carts: we&#39;d start with a beverage cart, then we&#39;d have an hors-d&#39;oeuvre cart, then we&#39;d have the entrees cart.&quot; Desserts followed, and then finally came &quot;a cordial cart.&quot; There was no mixing of classes. Flights were either all first class or &quot;tourist&quot; class. 
 
In the less-opulent class, &quot;we sold sandwiches and milk. Sandwiches were 50 cents and milk was 15 cents,&quot; Nash says.

&quot;We just had coffee, tea, hot chocolate and bouillon.&quot; Strikes, mergers, buyouts, Nash has gone through all the somersaults of the US aviation industry. She even worked for Trump Shuttle, an airline briefly owned by current President Donald Trump in the early 90s. 
 
During one unforgettable approach to Washington, her plane was hit by turbulence so violent that part of a toilet separated, and it seemed as though a wing hit the ground.

&quot;It was just terrible,&quot; Nash said, recalling lightning that &quot;kept on coming in and I think we even flew over the White House that night, which was really illegal.&quot; The plane had to return to New York. 
 
Ten years ago, for her 50th anniversary on the job, Nash&#39;s plane was welcomed on the tarmac by sprays of water from fire engines -- an honour normally reserved for veteran pilots or the baptism of a new plane.

Who imagined that Nash would still be there. &quot;I am not going to work until I am 90,&quot; she says, before adding on the subject of retirement: &quot;I don&#39;t want to think about it!&quot; Bette Nash will celebrate her 82nd birthday on December 31.

In the US, pilots must retire at 65 but there is no such restriction on commercial flight attendants

American Airlines Flight 2160 from Boston has just arrived in Washington, D.C., and Bette Nash, 81, helps the passengers disembark. They embrace her, take photos, and express their thanks. It's always like this. After six decades crossing the skies as a flight attendant, Nash still has impeccable style, incredible energy and a constant smile. She has lost only one thing: her anonymity. Kendra Taylor, a passenger, beams after taking a selfie with the octogenarian, whom she had hoped to meet. "When I saw her I was like, 'Oh my gosh.' I just saw her on TV last week!" In a dark suit accented by a coloured scarf, with her hair in a bun, Nash lends herself to accolades and plays with the compliments. She is the undisputed star of the Airbus jet, rather than the captain, Mike Margiotta, who emerges from the flight deck. "Very professional," he says of his model hostess. "She's got that old-school way of doing things." In the United States, pilots must retire at 65 but there is no such restriction on commercial flight attendants, of whom Bette Nash is probably the world's most senior. See her gliding through the terminal concourse, pulling her suitcase, and it's hard not to be taken by the admiring words one hears about her. "I start my day at 2:10 in the morning. I have two alarm clocks and when they go off I don't lie there, I get up," Nash says. At her home in Virginia, bordering Washington, Nash prepares food for her only son, who is disabled, and who will be waiting for her return to solid ground. Primped, and fueled by "a couple of eggs," she arrives before sunrise at Ronald Reagan National Airport. Nash prefers the Washington-Boston-Washington route, on which she gets priority because of her incomparable seniority. She was 21 years young and Dwight Eisenhower was president when Eastern Air Lines recruited her as a "stewardess," a word which -- like Eastern itself -- has disappeared from use. At that time, travel by air was the preserve of a certain elite. "There were a lot of men because they were doing business, and women came on with their fur coats, and their finery and their hats and everything. You didn't have... the flip-flops and the sneakers and things you do today," Nash says. Her own uniforms ranged, through the years, from conservative to elegant, and "wild." "When (president) John Kennedy came into office and everything, things started opening up, so we wore crazy uniforms. We even had hot pants for a brief period, and these boots," she remembers. In those earlier times, which seem almost prehistoric, there were no plastic meal trays. Hostesses cooked lobster and duck a l'orange equally well, and carved the meat. In the first class, passengers dined with silverware and porcelain. "We had five carts: we'd start with a beverage cart, then we'd have an hors-d'oeuvre cart, then we'd have the entrees cart." Desserts followed, and then finally came "a cordial cart." There was no mixing of classes. Flights were either all first class or "tourist" class. In the less-opulent class, "we sold sandwiches and milk. Sandwiches were 50 cents and milk was 15 cents," Nash says. "We just had coffee, tea, hot chocolate and bouillon." Strikes, mergers, buyouts, Nash has gone through all the somersaults of the US aviation industry. She even worked for Trump Shuttle, an airline briefly owned by current President Donald Trump in the early 90s. During one unforgettable approach to Washington, her plane was hit by turbulence so violent that part of a toilet separated, and it seemed as though a wing hit the ground. "It was just terrible," Nash said, recalling lightning that "kept on coming in and I think we even flew over the White House that night, which was really illegal." The plane had to return to New York. Ten years ago, for her 50th anniversary on the job, Nash's plane was welcomed on the tarmac by sprays of water from fire engines -- an honour normally reserved for veteran pilots or the baptism of a new plane. Who imagined that Nash would still be there. "I am not going to work until I am 90," she says, before adding on the subject of retirement: "I don't want to think about it!" Bette Nash will celebrate her 82nd birthday on December 31.

Meet 81-year-old air hostess who rules the skies

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