World’s Tallest Woman Forced to Book Six Plane Seats, Transported via Stretcher on Flights
World’s Tallest Woman’s Travel Journey: From Stretcher Flights to Accessibility Advocacy
Standing at 7 feet 0.7 inches, Rumeysa Gelgi, the world’s tallest woman, faces unique challenges while traveling. Diagnosed with Weaver syndrome—a rare condition causing accelerated growth—she relies on a wheelchair or walker for mobility. Her extraordinary height makes ordinary activities, like flying, nearly impossible. To travel by air, Turkish Airlines provides a custom solution: replacing six seats with a stretcher, allowing her to lie down for the duration of her flights.
[IMAGE: Rumeysa smiling, standing beside a plane entrance with crew assistance. Caption: Rumeysa Gelgi prepping for a flight with Turkish Airlines’ stretcher accommodation.]
Since her first “flawless” journey from San Francisco in 2022, Rumeysa has visited Spain, Italy, the U.S., and the UK. However, each trip requires meticulous planning. She arrives four hours early for medical checks and pays for six seats to secure the stretcher space. While she dreams of exploring East Asia, her immediate focus is tackling accessibility barriers closer to home.
Stretcher Travel: A Necessary Adaptation
Regular airline seats are unusable for Rumeysa, who must be stretchered onto planes and remain secured during flights. Though grateful for Turkish Airlines’ support, she acknowledges the limitations. “It’s challenging, but this is the only way I can explore the world,” she says. Ground transportation poses hurdles too—she has yet to travel by train or bus but hopes to soon.
[IMAGE: Rumeysa lying on a stretcher inside a plane. Caption: Rumeysa’s unique in-flight setup ensures safety and comfort.]
Historic Sites: A Battle for Accessibility
Beyond transportation, Rumeysa struggles with accessing historic landmarks. Visiting iconic locations often means navigating uneven terrain, steep stairs, or narrow pathways. “It’s upsetting to hold myself back from experiencing history,” she admits. During a visit to ancient churches, staff assistance proved well-meaning but risky. “With spinal implants, a fall could be disastrous,” she explains.
[IMAGE: Collage of Rumeysa in Spain and the UK. Caption: Rumeysa exploring global destinations despite physical challenges.]
Her hometown of Safranbolu, Turkey, highlights this irony. Its UNESCO-listed Ottoman-era Old Town remains inaccessible to her. “I live nearby, yet I’ve never seen it,” she laments. While respecting preservation efforts, she urges innovative solutions: “Everyone deserves to connect with the past, regardless of mobility.”
Advocacy and Future Goals
Rumeysa, a freelance web developer and content creator, uses her platform to push for inclusive travel. She emphasizes collaboration between disability advocates and tourism sectors to rethink accessibility without compromising heritage. “Small adjustments—like ramps or virtual tours—can make a difference,” she suggests.
[IMAGE: Rumeysa using a walker near a historic building. Caption: Rumeysa advocates for safer access to cultural sites.]
Though her bucket list includes Tokyo and Seoul, Rumeysa remains determined to inspire change. “Travel teaches resilience,” she says. “My journey isn’t just about seeing the world—it’s about making it more welcoming for everyone.”
Final Thoughts
Rumeysa’s story underscores the importance of adaptive travel solutions and the ongoing need for inclusive design. As she continues breaking barriers, her advocacy lights the way for a more accessible future—one flight, and one historic site, at a time.
[IMAGE: Rumeysa with her Guinness World Record certificate. Caption: The record-holding traveler continues to redefine possibilities.]
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