By Prosper Mene
Rumeysa Gelgi, recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest living woman at 7 feet 0.7 inches, has shared the extraordinary measures required for her to travel by air. Due to her height and a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes accelerated growth and other physical challenges, Gelgi must pay for six plane seats to accommodate a specially designed stretcher, as she is unable to sit in standard airline seats.
Gelgi, a 28-year-old Turkish advocate and web developer, first flew in September 2022, traveling from Istanbul to San Francisco with Turkish Airlines, which removed six economy seats to install a stretcher for her 13-hour journey. Describing the experience as “flawless from start to finish,” she praised the airline’s staff and medical team for their support. Since then, she has relied on this unique arrangement to visit countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy, with plans to explore East Asia next, targeting cities like Tokyo and Seoul.
Traveling presents significant challenges for Gelgi, who uses a wheelchair or walker for mobility due to her condition and scoliosis, which limits her ability to sit upright for extended periods. She must arrive at airports four hours early to coordinate with medical staff and cover the cost of the six seats her stretcher occupies. Despite these hurdles, Gelgi remains determined to explore the world, expressing hope to travel by bus or train in the future.
Beyond logistics, Gelgi faces accessibility barriers at historic sites, including in her hometown of Safranbolu, Turkey, where Ottoman-era landmarks remain out of reach due to a lack of wheelchair-friendly infrastructure. “It’s upsetting to hold myself back from visiting remarkable places and experiencing the richness of history,” she told Luxury Travel Daily. With spinal implants making even minor falls risky, she prioritizes safety and advocates for innovative solutions to improve access for people with mobility limitations.
While Gelgi plans her next adventures, she remains a powerful voice for change, urging the travel industry and historic sites to prioritize accessibility so everyone can “connect with the past, regardless of mobility.”
