Step 1: PEK > NRT

Flight time: 4 hours, 20 minutes

Since I’ve been through the Tokyo airport (aka, Narita) once before, the return trip is a cake walk. Or, more accurately, more of a cakewalk that would normally be the case for someone not short on connection time.

In the security line, a nearby passenger gasped when seeing the “Zero Liquids” sign, having apparently just come in on a US flight. I calmly smile and assure him he’s fine; as an international connection passenger, the originating airport rules apply.

He breathes. I feel good.

Finally got to pay it forward to someone who’s in the shoes I wore two weeks ago, in this very spot. Just as it should be.