United Airlines has refunded every passenger on a flight because of an "out of control" stewardess.

The extraordinary incident happened on a flight to North Dakota on Thursday.

Passenger Erika Gorman told how the stewardess swore during the safety briefing saying: "If your seatbelt isn't tight, you f***ed up."

The stewardess was also filmed getting extremely close to the face of a male passenger.

Ms Gorman believed the stewardess was "either drunk or stoned" and that she was so concerned she contacted the pilot.

The stewardess swore during the safety briefing (
Image:
KPRC2/TWITTER)

She tweeted United Airlines to say: "Thanks United, for a terrifying flight! Drunk or stoned stewardess endangered everybody's lives.

"I had to go to the cockpit and call the pilot and tell him they had an out of control attendant.

"The cops and an ambulance were waiting for her when we landed."

In a statement, United apologised to customers on the flight from Denver which was operated by its regional provider Trans State Airlines and said all would have their fare refunded.

According to reports, the stewardess was not actually arrested when the flight arrived but the incident is being investigated.

Trans States Airlines said in a statement the company "is aware of reports of erratic behavior by a flight attendant on flight 4689 from Denver to Willston.

"The situation is under investigation and the flight attendant is being held held out of service.

"The safety of our passengers and crew is our and United's top priority."