World’s tallest woman forced to book SIX plane seats every time she flies

The world’s tallest woman has shared that she must reserve six seats every time she flies, as she’s required to remain strapped to a stretcher for the entire flight.

Rumeysa Gelgi, who stands at an impressive 7 feet 0.7 inches, revealed earlier this year her dream of traveling to every country after turning 28. However, for the Guinness World Record holder, getting from place to place—whether by plane, car, or other means—is no simple task.

Living in Karabük province, Turkey, Rumeysa typically uses a wheelchair or walker to get around. Her exceptional height is caused by Weaver syndrome, a rare condition that leads to rapid growth among other symptoms.

 

Due to her height, standard plane seats are not an option for her. Fortunately, Turkish Airlines stepped in, modifying one of their aircraft by removing six seats to install a custom stretcher for her. In September 2022, Rumeysa took her first-ever flight—from San Francisco to California—which she described as “flawless from start to finish.”

Since then, the freelance web developer has flown at least once a year, exclusively with Turkish Airlines, one of the few carriers that accommodates her unique needs. Her travels have already taken her to countries such as Spain, Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Still, each journey comes with challenges.

Because she cannot sit in regular airline seats, Rumeysa must lie down on a stretcher for the duration of every flight. She’s also required to arrive at the airport four hours early to coordinate with medical staff and cover the cost of the space occupied by the stretcher—typically equivalent to six seats.

So far, she has not traveled by bus or train, though she hopes to try these modes of transport soon.

Beyond transportation, one of the biggest hurdles Rumeysa faces while traveling is accessibility—particularly at historic landmarks and cultural sites.

“Sometimes it’s disheartening to miss out on experiencing incredible places and their history,” she told Luxury Travel Daily, as reported by What’s The Jam. “It’s frustrating to know that the only barrier is accessibility. My top concern is always safety—not just to protect my wheelchair, but to prevent injury.”

With spinal implants, even a minor fall could be dangerous. “If a location doesn’t offer safe access, I avoid taking unnecessary risks,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Rumeysa hopes to visit East Asia—especially Tokyo, Kyoto, Shanghai, and Seoul. Yet one of her deepest wishes is to explore the ancient monuments of her hometown, Safranbolu.

“One of its most famous spots is the Old Town, known for its preserved Ottoman-era homes, mansions, and bathhouses,” she said. “Unfortunately, despite living nearby, I haven’t been able to visit due to poor accessibility.”

She noted that navigating historic churches she’s visited in the past has been physically demanding. “These sites are often preserved in their original condition, which I respect. Most people are kind and try to help, but their solutions aren’t always practical or safe,” she added.

Rumeysa advocates for more creative solutions to improve accessibility at heritage sites. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to connect with history, regardless of physical limitations,” she said.