34. How Long do the Oxygen Masks Last?
You’ve likely heard the precautionary speech about oxygen masks so many times you could recite it by now. Although it’s rare that a plane would find itself in a situation that would necessitate the use of those drop-down masks, you might have wondered how long they actually work.
China Daily
As it turns out, the masks usually supply about 15 minutes worth of oxygen. That may not sound like a lot but take a deep breath. During that time, the pilot is fervently working to descend to an altitude that will equalize the cabin pressure and make it easier to breathe.