If one travels for a few weeks overseas: there are multiple (2) stays (more than a week) in 2 continents, with several flights over the ocean/sea. There is no clear “final” destination as both stops are long and important. Do I say Tefilat HaDerech on each flight? Do I say Birkat HaGomel in each location? How far out from the shore the plane has to fly in order to say Birkat HaGomel? Thank you.
Answer:
Tefillas Haderech is said once per day, which covers all the journeys for that day. If there is day break in the middle of a flight, a new Tefillas Haderech would not be recited.
Saying Birkas Hagomel for a standard flight is a matter of debate. Some do not say Hagomel at all as air travel is no longer considered dangerous. Many have the custom to say after a flight. Others differentiate between flying over water and over land. For one who makes this bracha only when flying over water it would seem any water would be sufficient.
Birkas Hagomel would be said at each location, being that each location is an intended destination in itself. A stopover in an airport, even overnight, which is just a technicality and not a destination, would not warrant a bracha.
Sources:
Tefilas Haderech – see Shulchan Aruch O:C 110:5
Hagomel for Air Travel – see Igros Moshe 2:59, Halichos Shlomo 23:5 [always say bracha], Orchos Rabeinu pg. 91 [land/sea], Kinyan Torah 1:16 [no bracha]
Stopover – Mishna Brura 219 s”k 1
