
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10922843
Steven Slater, 39, reportedly became furious with a passenger who opened his overhead locker before the plane had stopped at JFK International Airport.
He was apprehended on charges of criminal mischief, trespassing and reckless endangerment, police said.
The JetBlue plane was travelling from Pittsburgh to New York on Monday.
On the plane's arrival, Mr Slater told passengers to stay in their seats until the plane stopped, according to Associated Press news agency.
When a passenger stood up and opened the overhead locker, Mr Slater went to stop him but the bag struck him in the face.
He then demanded an apology but the passenger cursed at him instead.
Becoming irate, Mr Slater then used the loudspeaker to tell him off, before grabbing a beer from the galley and activating the slide.
The BBC's Steve Kingstone says the flight attendant allegedly "lost it".
After making his dramatic exit, he then walked to his car and drove away.
He was arrested at his home in Queens shortly afterwards.
The airline said it was investigating the incident.
"At no time was the security or safety of our customers or crew members at risk," it said in a statement.
Some Facebook users have created a page in support of Mr Slater for walking off the job.