How Long Do Plane Oxygen Masks Last?
We’re all hoping we’d never have to use the oxygen mask during a flight – it’s our greatest fear – but in any case, it’s useful to be informed. What about the passengers? Depending on the aircraft model, pilots wear their masks for the whole flight. And what about the rest of us?
Within the cabin, the air is pressurized to allow for normal breathing. For any reason, the cabin’s pressure drops below sea level, at which point oxygen masks descend for passengers’ usage. Passenger masks function for roughly 10-15 minutes before expiring. The pilot sets flight altitude so that individuals in the plane can breathe easily while on board.