Emergency exit airline steward hopes for trial plea

The airline steward who fled his plane via the emergency exit chute after swearing at a passenger is to be mentally evaluated for a possible plea deal.

Steven Slater appeared in a New York court today for a brief hearing on criminal mischief charges.

Lawyers on both sides said a deal was being discussed. Slater might qualify for an alternative sentencing programme, which means he could face community service instead of jail.

Slater was also charged with reckless endangerment and trespassing after last month’s incident on a JetBlue flight from Pittsburgh that had just landed at Kennedy International Airport.

His lawyer said the passenger’s “lack of civility” prompted his behaviour.

Slater left JetBlue last week.