[This answer][1] seems to indicate the air-lock pressurization/de-pressurization is a drawn out process. Pressurisation is said to consume 45minutes (somewhat less in case of an emergency). Depressurisation may be a tad quicker. In case of both there almost certainly are check-lists, and protocol to follow. What I'm curious about - How long does **depressurization** of the Quest Joint Air-lock take? - Apart from check-lists, what do the astronaut/s do whilst the air-lock cycles? [1]: http://space.stackexchange.com/a/2397/288