Tallest Woman In The World Boards Plane For First Flight After Airlines Removes Seats

Nov 10, 2022 by apost team

The world’s tallest woman has boarded a plane for the first flight of her life after Turkish Airlines made some slight seating changes to accommodate her.

With a little help, Rumeysa Gelgi, who stands at a towering 7ft 0.7inches, was able to take to the skies for the first time after Turkish Airlines took six seats out of one of its aircraft. It then placed a stretcher that would allow Gelgi to lie down comfortably.

Guinness World Records had named Gelgi, 24, the tallest woman alive in early 2022. In her native Karabük province of Turkey, Gelgi usually gets around in a wheelchair and occasionally walks short distances. Traveling longer distances requires a stretcher. This is because Gelgi has Weaver Syndrome, which, among other things, results in accelerated growth and skeletal maturation. Upon receiving the honor, Gelgi said:

“Every disadvantage can be turned into an advantage for yourself so accept yourself for who you are, be aware of your potential and do your best.”

This is her second Guinness World Record. She achieved her first in her youth when she was named the world’s tallest teenager in 2014. She has since used her platform to champion those with rare disabilities and help them see that standing out from the crowd isn’t so bad. Shortly after receiving her second world record, Gelgi told reporters “Being different is not as bad as you think. It can bring you unexpected success,” adding, “I personally think that differences and other features which seem like a disadvantage can be turned to advantages if you want it and make the effort for it. That is exactly what I did.” 

Gelgi’s indomitable spirit was on show in September 2022 when she refused to let anything get in the way of her traveling across the world.

Gelgi, who works as a web developer, intended to fly from Turkey to San Francisco, California, to further her career as well as take part in Guinness World Record events. So when Turkey’s national carrier could accommodate her, she jumped at the chance. 

Gelgi posted about her first journey by plane on Instagram, and her excitement was crystal clear. She posted photos with other members of the flight crew, who also appeared thoroughly excited to be traveling with her. Photos also showed Gelgi looking comfortable in her stretcher as she showed off her delicious-looking in-flight meal. Upon landing, she wrote her heartfelt thanks to those who enabled her to take her journey into the skies.

“A flawless journey from start to finish with Turkish Airlines. I have so many people to thank,” she wrote before listing a few agencies. She continued, “unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to know the names of many people who helped me with their kindness and dedication for 13 hours in the air for 19 hours in total and organized a ‘first flight’ celebration above the clouds.” 

“This was my first plane ride but it certainly won’t be my last,” she added.

Gelgi, who also holds world titles for the largest female hands, the longest female finger and the longest female back, appeared to be set to continue her advocacy efforts. In an Instagram post in April 2022, she wrote: 

“MORE WORLD RECORDS? YES PLEASE 🥳⁣ I was born with extreme physical uniqueness, and wanted to have as much of them recognized and celebrated as possible, hoping to inspire and encourage others with visible differences to do the same thing and be themselves.”⁣

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How great was it of Turkish Airlines to help Gelgi fly for the first time? Where do you think Gelgi should go next? Let us know your thoughts and be sure to pass this along to friends and family.