Delta's Longest-Serving Flight Attendant Retires After 66 Years of Service

Joan Prince Crandall, believed to be the longest-serving flight attendant in the industry, is retiring after an impressive 66-year career. Starting in 1959 with Pacific Airlines, she has witnessed significant changes in aviation, from the transition from propeller planes to jets, to evolving gender policies in the workplace. Crandall recalls the challenges faced by women in her profession, including strict appearance standards and mandatory retirement ages. As she prepares to pass the torch to new attendants like Alise Broussard, she reflects on the emotional connections made with passengers and the importance of safety in her role. Her retirement marks the end of an era in the airline industry.

Key Details: • Joan Prince Crandall began her career in 1959 and has worked for several airlines, including Delta since 2008. • Flight attendants today earn an average salary of about $70,980 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. • Crandall's retirement signifies a shift as she passes her experience to new flight attendants like Alise Broussard.