Police in the United States have arrested an airline steward after an argument with a passenger saw him flee an aircraft via the emergency exit.

According to reports, JetBlue steward Steve Slater accosted a passenger after directions not to open overhead lockers until the plane had come to a stop were ignored.

While attempting to reprimand the passenger a bag from the locker hit Slater in the face, prompting the 39-year-old steward to demand an apology.

Instead of apologising the passenger berated Slater, prompting him to chastise him over the public address system.

Mr Slater then took a beer from the galley, activated the emergency slide and exited the plane.

He then walked to his car and drove off.

He was arrested at his home in Queens shortly afterward.

JetBlue

Police are continuing to investigate the matter.

A JetBlue statement read: “At no time was the security or safety of our customers or crew members at risk.”

The JetBlue plane was travelling from Pittsburgh to New York, landing at JFK International Airport.

A Facebook group has been started in support of Slater.