The Challenges of Traveling with Exceptional Needs: Rumeysa Gelgi’s Story
Rumeysa Gelgi, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest woman, stands at an incredible 7ft 0.7inches. Her height presents unique challenges in everyday life, especially when traveling. Despite these obstacles, Rumeysa is determined to explore the world.
Due to her height, Rumeysa cannot fit into regular airline seats. To accommodate her needs, Turkish Airlines has made special arrangements. They removed six seats from one of their aircraft and replaced them with a custom-made stretcher. This allows Rumeysa to lie down during flights, ensuring her safety and comfort.
However, this accommodation comes at a cost. Rumeysa must pay for six plane seats to secure the space needed for the stretcher. Despite the expense, she continues to travel, exploring new countries and experiencing different cultures.
Since her first flight in September 2022, Rumeysa has visited several countries, including Spain, Italy, the US, and the UK. She relies on Turkish Airlines for her travels, as they are one of the few airlines offering the stretcher service. Her determination to see the world is inspiring, and her story highlights the importance of accessibility in travel.
Rumeysa’s journey showcases the challenges and triumphs of traveling with exceptional needs. Her story encourages us to think about how we can make travel more inclusive and accessible for everyone.