flyin Ryanair with musical instruments - what is their policy?

[Selma]

Hi I'm flying into Ireland by Ryanair, and just wondering if people
have had trouble carrying instruments into the cabin. I will only have
a mandolin in a hard case, which will fit in an overhead locker.
But I'm just a bit worried coz they had a special box to
tick stating if you have a musical instrument. They seem to like
making money on 'extras' and was wondering if they'll try and
inconvenience me in some way, such as making me pay to check it in as
hold luggage, or if there are any annoying rules about instruments in
general with them.
Does anyone have any experience with this airline and can
shed any light on this?

thanks if you can help
Selma

[Len Wilson]

Hi,
I just flew with Ryanair Teesside to Dublin,
with my tenor banjo in a hard case, I took it onto the plane as hand
luggage, it fitted in the top compartment no problem,
and I had no querying customs in either airport.
My only gripe, is that I booked a single suitcase for me and the wife,
on returning back, the case was overweight (15 KG limit)
and was charged an extra 60 euros!!

So be wary of this.

Cheers
Len Wilson