What You Should Know Before Visiting Heathrow’s Terminal 5
As one of the busiest airports in the UK, travelling through Heathrow is at some point inevitable. With four active terminals and hundreds of flights taking off and landing each day, it is a busy place but one you can definitely overcome the right foresight. If you think you are going to travel through this airport, here are some of the top things you need to know.
Transport is Excellent
No matter how you need to get to Heathrow, there are plenty of ways to do so. National Express runs a coach transfer from various UK cities to the terminals as well as direct coaches from Victoria Coach Station in the heart of London. These journeys run multiple times a day and are cheap and budget-friendly options for anyone looking to save a little money in their travels. You could also take advantage of the Heathrow Express. It is by far the fastest way to travel to the airport, taking just 15 minutes from London Paddington.
If you want to drive yourself then a fantastic option is the terminal 5 meet and greet Heathrow scheme. This is a meet and greet Heathrow airport service and it could not be easier for you as a consumer. All you need to do is book online, and then you can drive straight up to the doors of terminal 5 and hand over the keys of your vehicle to a qualified driver. With that done, all you need to do is head into the terminal while your vehicle is whisked away to a secure compound to be kept safe until your return. When you are back, it will be ready and waiting for you at Arrivals. Getting to and from Heathrow has never been easier, and if you think this is a service you want to try, you should take a look at Heathrow Parking now.
The Duty-Free is Second-to-None
Many people love to have a browse through Duty-Free while they are waiting for their flight and this section of the airport is amazing. They have everything from high-street names to top luxury brands. Whatever you could think about getting your hands on, you will be able to find it at Heathrow Duty-Free.
What’s more, Heathrow also has its own rewards scheme called Heathrow Rewards. You earn points for nearly anything you could do and then these accumulated points go towards great treats for you to enjoy. If you find yourself frequently flying through Heathrow, you should definitely consider getting one of these cards. You can even arrange for your purchases to be sent directly home so you do not have to turn up with a load of extra bags at your destination. Everything has been set up for your convenience.
Security is Quick; Border Control Might Not Be
The security teams at Heathrow are in control and they know exactly how to keep the lines moving. You will be through the security checks and heading into airside before you can blink. Even during the height of the Christmas rush, the staff know all the tips and tricks to ensure that their lines keep moving.
Border Control, however, is a different story. It can take quite a while to get through here, even if you are a British citizen. If you have an ePassport, you can head to the automated gates. This option is open to more people than just the British; if you are from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Kora, Singapore, Japan, or the USA, you will be able to head to the ePassport gates too. This new system is to help reduce the need for landing cards for visitors to the UK and will hopefully help to speed up the amount of waiting time at the UK Border.
Wi-Fi
Heathrow Airport offers 45 minutes of free Wi-Fi to all travellers and those in the Heathrow Rewards scheme will get faster speeds than others. If you have a short wait at your departure gate and you fancy a browse of social media before you board the plane, you will be able to. Likewise, you could also update your family and loved ones to let them know that you are about to board your flight. You can do a lot online in 45 minutes, so use your free time well!
There is plenty to do in Heathrow Terminal 5. Just make sure that you get there within plenty of time and you will have no trouble navigating this labyrinth to arrive safely at your plane. Whether you take a bus or drive up, and then spend some time in Duty-Free or proceed straight to your gate, the staff and facilities of Heathrow Terminal 5 are determined to make your journey as smooth as it can possibly be.