American Airlines flight attendant Carol Fair retires after 63 years

Carol Fair, the most senior active flight attendant at American Airlines, is retiring after a career spanning more than 63 years. The 83-year-old began her aviation career in 1963 with Piedmont Airlines, flying propeller-driven aircraft before transitioning to Boeing jets and international routes.

Fair’s career included tenures at Piedmont Airlines and USAir following mergers, eventually leading to her position at American Airlines. Her final flight is scheduled to be American Airlines flight AA 733 from London Heathrow Airport to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This route is particularly significant as she was part of the inaugural Piedmont Airlines service between Charlotte and London in 1987.

Upon her arrival in Charlotte, the airline is expected to perform a water salute, a ceremonial honor typically reserved for retiring pilots. Fair currently holds the top position on American Airlines’ seniority list, which comprises approximately 30,000 cabin crew members.