World’s Tallest Woman Buys Six Plane Seats To Fly Lying Down

Rumeysa Gelgi, officially recognized as the tallest woman in the world, reveals she must purchase six airplane seats every time she travels by air.

Standing at 7 feet 0.7 inches tall, Rumeysa lives with Weaver syndrome — a rare genetic disorder that leads to accelerated growth and various health challenges. As a result, she relies on a wheelchair or walker for mobility, according to Luxury Travel Daily.

Now 28, Rumeysa has embarked on a mission to explore the world. However, air travel poses significant hurdles for her. Due to her height, sitting upright in a regular airline seat is not an option — she must remain fully reclined on a stretcher throughout the journey.

To accommodate her, Turkish Airlines removes six seats from the aircraft and installs a custom stretcher. This unique arrangement was first used in 2022 for a flight from San Francisco to California, and she has flown exclusively with the airline ever since.

Her trips require extensive planning: she arrives at the airport four hours before departure, consults with medical staff, and pays for the six-seat setup needed for her stretcher.

Despite the obstacles, Rumeysa has already visited the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy. Her travel bucket list includes cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Shanghai, and Seoul.

“It’s disheartening to miss out on amazing places and their historical richness,” she told Luxury Travel Daily, noting that her safety remains the top priority.

Rumeysa has spinal implants, and even a minor fall could have serious consequences. This risk often prevents her from visiting areas that lack accessibility. In her hometown of Safranbolu, Turkey — known for its Ottoman architecture — she’s unable to explore many of its landmarks due to their inaccessibility to wheelchairs.

“It’s nearby, but out of reach,” she said.

While she’s grateful for offers of help, she emphasizes that such assistance is not always safe or suitable.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience history, regardless of physical limitations,” Rumeysa said, urging for creative solutions to make historical sites more accessible to all.