Originally Posted by Jimmie Jones

You don't have to be staying at the Thistle to use the pods.
If you are going to T5 go into the hotel reception and buy a pod ticket from the reception desk. Its officially £6 per person one way if you buy from reception but just buy one ticket even if there is a few of you.
You then follow the signs on the floor to the gate and key in the number to access the pods .
If you are coming back from T5 push the intercom button at the gate and tell the reception staff you need to enter the hotel and they let you in.
I often wait on the main road by the Thistle when my Wife flies into Heathrow and she gets the pod over to the Thistle as its easier and much less hassle.