Keen to avoid airport hustle and bustle? One traveller claims to have found the solution in the form of his “Heathrow hack”, which not only avoids fellow passengers, but is also a “relaxing” jaunt too.
Paul Sherratt took to TikTok to share footage of the London airport’s subterranean walkway ahead of his latest flight. “This is the walkway underneath the shuttle that goes from [gates] A to B and C, Terminal 5,” he began his video.
“Up above me there’s thousands of passengers rammed into this little shuttle trying to go from A to B and I’m below on level minus 4,” Paul added as he made his way down the lengthy corridor.
Highlighting how he was the only person there, he described it as a “super relaxing way” to get to the flight, while “getting the steps in” and a “bit of exercise” to boot.
He closed his advice: “Next time you’re travelling from Heathrow Terminal 5 and you’re going from the B or C gates, jump in the lift, head down and walk the walkway. It is deserted. Enjoy.”
Heathrow’s Terminal 5 Transit is an automated people mover system (APM) and conveys air passengers between the main airport terminal and its satellite buildings. The system is run with a fleet of 10 vehicles, which has transported 6,500 passengers per hour in each direction since its creation in 2008. The tunnel totals 0.67 kilometres (0.42 miles) in length.
“I had no idea!,” one TikTok user admitted in response. “Will need to try that next time. Thanks!” A second recommended Paul’s idea: “Always walk the walkway. Some peace and quiet as well as a chance to stretch one’s legs before the flight.”
A third person praised: “Best way after a long flight to get some blood back into the old legs and usually the first ones back at the baggage claim belt too!” While a fourth quipped: “Don’t tell everyone! Love that hack.”
Someone else added to Paul’s tip, suggesting: “Before heading to security, look up at the big pillars. The number of people symbols, tells you how busy security is. You can then choose north or south (this is for T5 Heathrow). You’re welcome.”