Fliers will always hope that the emergency protocol on a plane will never have to be followed.
From emergency exits to seat positions, it can be a daunting prospect that many travellers may end up ignoring.
However, one element of the safety procedure may not last as long as one might think.
It makes for a scary thought in the event of an emergency.
It has been revealed that when an oxygen masks fall, they don’t last for a long as expected.
In fact, it can be for as little as 15 minutes of air.
User Amber Hills commented via online travel forum Quora when asked about random airline facts.
She added: “One shouldn’t wait too long, as changing the altitude would make you pass out within 15-20 seconds.”
Another user Zac Hungerford elaborated on why it only provides this much air.
He stated: “It’s during that time that the pilot will be attempting to manoeuvre the plane to about 12,000 feet or so — where passengers will be able to breath the air that is pumped in from outside.”
Terrifyingly, he goes onto explain what happens if that doesn’t happen.
He continued: “And what if the pilot can’t get to 12,000 feet after 15 minutes? Everyone on board will pass out.”
Passengers using oxygen masks are also always advised to put on theirs first.
Whilst many may think this is the wrong thing to do when there are children next to them, it actually makes sense.
It only takes 30 to 60 seconds to lose consciousness as an adult, yet children are much smaller and so have longer.
Therefore it is safer to help adults first before helping a child.
