I've checked out a few of the discussions relating to Ryanair's musical instrument policy, and I was hoping there might be some more up-to-date info regarding the likelihood of getting away with bringing a fiddle on board. I'm going to Shannon at the end of December, and from there to Dusseldorf. If anyone has travelled with them in the very recent past, and has tips to pass on, I will be grateful. I think I'm going to attempt a surreptitious blag, and kick up an almighty row if I get rumbled, but I won't be putting my fiddle into the hold, under any circumstances.
When I filled out the booking form, I ticked the box indicating that I intend to bring an instrument, and the following page states: "Please complete the below form if you intend to carry one of the following:
• surf/body boards, canoes, bikes, golf clubs (including bag), bulky fishing rods
• large musical instruments such as harps, double bass, guitars, drums
• infant equipment including booster seat child car seat & travel cots"
I didn't fill the form out, because "violin" isn't on the list...
Any legally-minded musos out there who fancy hazarding an opinion?
Well in 25yrs of regular international travel with guitar and fiddle i only had a problem once.
I 'm allways well over loaded for hand carry! but hard drives, condensor mics, precious fiddles etc simply cannot be risked.
So, i convince myself its not an issue, carry it surreptitiously, check which side the ticket collector is collecting tickets and im onboard befor you know it.
Honestly, its not like we are carrying drugs or guns on board! the folk who work there have got better things to do generally than enforce some silly rules sent down by head office.
Its only a fiddle, not a cello or tuba! After all its not weight, or size thats the issue, They dont weigh every passenger and charge you more if you are overweight! If it fits in the overhead locker it should be no problem.
Ive flown 3ryan air and one aer lingus flights this last month or so, and had no problem.
As a last resort, and an officious check iner gives you grief just tell them you will carry it till the plane. this is normally ok. then 'forget'.
But dont kick up a row, this wont work i am sure. just politely agree and follow my above suggestions.
I have been traveling a lot with Ryanair during the last years, the last time in August. I've never had any problems so far with bringing my fiddle into the cabin. I think the trick is not to mention it at the check-in. I always carry my fiddle on my back, so most of the time, they don't see it. I was only asked twice to put my spare strings in my suitcase, but I was never asked to put my Fiddle in the hold and I would never do so. Yes, the case is a little bit long for the cabin baggage limitations, but the fiddle is so light, that it really doesn't count.
Ive taken my banjo (hard case ) on ryanair and as ive got a 17fret vega i would say that its about the same size as a fiddle case.All i did was book in my main bag and walk on with my banjo Des
As someone who toured in one of the dance shows i've taken the fiddle through alot of airports (and a wide variety of airlines).
Never really had any problems. i agree with the fiddlinsue, stick it over your shoulder so the majority of the case is behind your back and doesn't tempt fate.
Only hiccup i ever had was leaving Ukraine, the customs guys were very interested it in because they have some restrictions on the movement of antiques out of the country. Possibly to do with stopping rich westerners coming in and stripping Ukraine of its cultural artifacts (of which my fiddle was definately not one!).
All this was much to the amusement of the rest of the cast who were looking on from a distance!
Like earlier posts my advice is if they start to quibble, plead don't shout!
I flew Ryanair out of Bristol in July. I was checking a suitcase and also had a small backpack that I didn't want to check and my concertina.
When we got in line at the check-in desk there were signs everywhere saying the carry-on limit is strictly one piece only. I got out of line and went over to talk to the security guys at an x-ray station. I asked them if there would be a problem if I carried on both pieces. They started to tell me about the one-piece limit, but as soon as I told them that the small case held a valuable musical instrument, they said it wouldn't be a problem.
Everything went smoothly after that -- I was not questioned about having both a backpack and a concertina case when I went through security, nor when I boarded the flight.
I was thinking of arming myself with a handful of ready-prepared equivocations, then proceeding to pre-formulated and outright lies, rather than shouting, screaming, and battering people with the fiddle case. The prospect is enchanting, but the consequences daunting. I assume that if I'm rumbled, I'll have to employ the usual 'But, your colleagues assured me...', and, 'But, I've never had this problem before...' etc. A subdued, but nonetheless almighty, row, was what I had in mind, rather than unabashed hooliganism. After reading of others' experiences, I'm confident I'll get away with a minimum of subterfuge with a dose of charm for good measure, rather than employing musical terrorism.
Jig's suggestion, of carrying the fiddle to the hold, then 'forgetting', is more what I had in mind.
I flew with Ryanair to England a few weeks ago,I had my concertina in a vanity case ,it didnt exceed the size allowed for hand luggage,I didnt mention it contained a musical instrument, I had no problem .Dick Miles
I flew recently with Ryanair and carried on a mandolin in a shaped case about the same length as a fiddle case- no problems at all, but it's a good idea to take everything out of the case (strings/rosin/mute etc.) and put them in your checked luggage. A pal of mine has also flown with her fiddle 4 times with Ryanair in the past 2 months and no one batted an eye at her carrying it on. Just be discrete with it at check-in, and no matter what, resist the urge for a row, even a subdued one. It's amazing what you can get away with if you turn the charm on.
Any legally-minded musos out there who fancy hazarding an opinion?
Thanks
RR
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by Robert Ryan
No use being legal minded nowadays. They can pee over your leg, and if you so much as ask why they did it, they will shout "air rage" and you will be up in court, after having had the crap beat out of you by the police.
Or they could shout "terrorist" and you will in Guatanomo Bay for the next ten years before they get around to charging you.
On the bright side, you should be fairly good on the fiddle by the time you get released.
Good point Bren, i put my fiddle in a rucksac to allow me tio also carry onboard all my other hardware and still stay within the one bag rule.
However, they specifically say this;
>>Smaller musical items such as a guitar, cello, violin or viola which exceed our cabin baggage dimensions may be carried in the cabin if a seat for it has been reserved and the appropriate fare paid. There is no checked baggage allowance associated with the purchase of an extra seat.<<
With the prices sometimes being so low it may well be worth just paying the extra involved.
I wouldn't like to see fiddlers panicked into buying extra seats though - it's just not necessary from what I've seen on the Aberdeen - Dublin run, surely the Ryanair run with the highest proportion of fiddlers to Normal People onboard.
No i agree but you know how they make the last minute tickets about250e.....in advance; 1e+tax.... they could really make a killing if they stopd you at the gate. jeez i hope Mr Ryans not reading this!
I´ve not read all the post here but I say f***ck Ryanair. I´m cheap as hell but i've got money to spend, and I´m quite prepared to spendit on airfare. If I was 18 and skint I would go for the cheapest flight availble but I´m 35 and I don't want to herded about like cattle. As much as I love Irelnad, Ryanair can git tae f*ck as far as I' concerned. It's just not worth flying out from an airport out on the sticks and then landing in the middle in the middle of nowhere, and you've not had ar drink on the plane.
Rereading my last post I'm ashamed of my spelling errors and the bad grmmar. The sentiment still stands though. Unless you´re desperate for money I say boycott Ryanair and all their ilk. I´d rather pay a bit more for my flight and be treated as a human being than fly with a low fare airline.
Except you won't pay a "bit" more Björn, you'll pay a *lot* more.
Before Ryanair started the Aberdeen Dublin link, it could take us all day to get there and cost around £500 return if we went by air via Heathrow.
Now it's about an hour and £25 inc tax and bags. I have no idea why you think they treat passengers during flights any worse than other airlines - it hasn't been my experience, despite the many sniffy reports in the media I've seen.
Now, Aberdeen, Dublin, Kerry and Shannon may be out in the sticks to you but they're exactly where I need to go/leave from.
Have i missed something here? this thread was started by a Mr Ryan........ think the games up lads, we wont be able to sneak a tin whistle past check in now !
Ryanair from Birmingham
Ryanair from Birmingham
I've checked out a few of the discussions relating to Ryanair's musical instrument policy, and I was hoping there might be some more up-to-date info regarding the likelihood of getting away with bringing a fiddle on board. I'm going to Shannon at the end of December, and from there to Dusseldorf. If anyone has travelled with them in the very recent past, and has tips to pass on, I will be grateful. I think I'm going to attempt a surreptitious blag, and kick up an almighty row if I get rumbled, but I won't be putting my fiddle into the hold, under any circumstances.
When I filled out the booking form, I ticked the box indicating that I intend to bring an instrument, and the following page states: "Please complete the below form if you intend to carry one of the following:
• surf/body boards, canoes, bikes, golf clubs (including bag), bulky fishing rods
• large musical instruments such as harps, double bass, guitars, drums
• infant equipment including booster seat child car seat & travel cots"
I didn't fill the form out, because "violin" isn't on the list...
Any legally-minded musos out there who fancy hazarding an opinion?
Thanks
RR
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by Robert Ryan
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
Well in 25yrs of regular international travel with guitar and fiddle i only had a problem once.
I 'm allways well over loaded for hand carry! but hard drives, condensor mics, precious fiddles etc simply cannot be risked.
So, i convince myself its not an issue, carry it surreptitiously, check which side the ticket collector is collecting tickets and im onboard befor you know it.
Honestly, its not like we are carrying drugs or guns on board! the folk who work there have got better things to do generally than enforce some silly rules sent down by head office.
Its only a fiddle, not a cello or tuba! After all its not weight, or size thats the issue, They dont weigh every passenger and charge you more if you are overweight! If it fits in the overhead locker it should be no problem.
Ive flown 3ryan air and one aer lingus flights this last month or so, and had no problem.
As a last resort, and an officious check iner gives you grief just tell them you will carry it till the plane. this is normally ok. then 'forget'.
But dont kick up a row, this wont work i am sure. just politely agree and follow my above suggestions.
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by jig
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
I have been traveling a lot with Ryanair during the last years, the last time in August. I've never had any problems so far with bringing my fiddle into the cabin. I think the trick is not to mention it at the check-in. I always carry my fiddle on my back, so most of the time, they don't see it. I was only asked twice to put my spare strings in my suitcase, but I was never asked to put my Fiddle in the hold and I would never do so. Yes, the case is a little bit long for the cabin baggage limitations, but the fiddle is so light, that it really doesn't count.
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by fiddlinsue
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
Ive taken my banjo (hard case ) on ryanair and as ive got a 17fret vega i would say that its about the same size as a fiddle case.All i did was book in my main bag and walk on with my banjo Des
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by DES RYNNE
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
As someone who toured in one of the dance shows i've taken the fiddle through alot of airports (and a wide variety of airlines).
Never really had any problems. i agree with the fiddlinsue, stick it over your shoulder so the majority of the case is behind your back and doesn't tempt fate.
Only hiccup i ever had was leaving Ukraine, the customs guys were very interested it in because they have some restrictions on the movement of antiques out of the country. Possibly to do with stopping rich westerners coming in and stripping Ukraine of its cultural artifacts (of which my fiddle was definately not one!).
All this was much to the amusement of the rest of the cast who were looking on from a distance!
Like earlier posts my advice is if they start to quibble, plead don't shout!
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by jfiddlerh
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
I flew Ryanair out of Bristol in July. I was checking a suitcase and also had a small backpack that I didn't want to check and my concertina.
When we got in line at the check-in desk there were signs everywhere saying the carry-on limit is strictly one piece only. I got out of line and went over to talk to the security guys at an x-ray station. I asked them if there would be a problem if I carried on both pieces. They started to tell me about the one-piece limit, but as soon as I told them that the small case held a valuable musical instrument, they said it wouldn't be a problem.
Everything went smoothly after that -- I was not questioned about having both a backpack and a concertina case when I went through security, nor when I boarded the flight.
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by csharpd
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
I was thinking of arming myself with a handful of ready-prepared equivocations, then proceeding to pre-formulated and outright lies, rather than shouting, screaming, and battering people with the fiddle case. The prospect is enchanting, but the consequences daunting. I assume that if I'm rumbled, I'll have to employ the usual 'But, your colleagues assured me...', and, 'But, I've never had this problem before...' etc. A subdued, but nonetheless almighty, row, was what I had in mind, rather than unabashed hooliganism. After reading of others' experiences, I'm confident I'll get away with a minimum of subterfuge with a dose of charm for good measure, rather than employing musical terrorism.
Jig's suggestion, of carrying the fiddle to the hold, then 'forgetting', is more what I had in mind.
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by Robert Ryan
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
I flew with Ryanair to England a few weeks ago,I had my concertina in a vanity case ,it didnt exceed the size allowed for hand luggage,I didnt mention it contained a musical instrument, I had no problem .Dick Miles
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by dickens metrognome
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
I flew recently with Ryanair and carried on a mandolin in a shaped case about the same length as a fiddle case- no problems at all, but it's a good idea to take everything out of the case (strings/rosin/mute etc.) and put them in your checked luggage. A pal of mine has also flown with her fiddle 4 times with Ryanair in the past 2 months and no one batted an eye at her carrying it on. Just be discrete with it at check-in, and no matter what, resist the urge for a row, even a subdued one. It's amazing what you can get away with if you turn the charm on.
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by triplet upstairs
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
Any legally-minded musos out there who fancy hazarding an opinion?
Thanks
RR
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by Robert Ryan
No use being legal minded nowadays. They can pee over your leg, and if you so much as ask why they did it, they will shout "air rage" and you will be up in court, after having had the crap beat out of you by the police.
Or they could shout "terrorist" and you will in Guatanomo Bay for the next ten years before they get around to charging you.
On the bright side, you should be fairly good on the fiddle by the time you get released.
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
Just remember that , while UK airport security allows a musical instrument *in addition* to your allowed *one* carry-on bag, Ryanair does not.
The musical instrument counts as your one allowed carry-on with Ryanair.
So wear a coat with plenty of pockets for other stuff.
# Posted on October 25th 2007 by Bren
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
Good point Bren, i put my fiddle in a rucksac to allow me tio also carry onboard all my other hardware and still stay within the one bag rule.
However, they specifically say this;
>>Smaller musical items such as a guitar, cello, violin or viola which exceed our cabin baggage dimensions may be carried in the cabin if a seat for it has been reserved and the appropriate fare paid. There is no checked baggage allowance associated with the purchase of an extra seat.<<
With the prices sometimes being so low it may well be worth just paying the extra involved.
# Posted on October 25th 2007 by jig
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
I'd like to see you trying to hold onto the seat for your guitar in Ryanairs "free seating " arrangement!
# Posted on October 25th 2007 by Bren
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
dont worry bren, no one messes with my guitar! or me for that matter
# Posted on October 25th 2007 by jig
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
I wouldn't like to see fiddlers panicked into buying extra seats though - it's just not necessary from what I've seen on the Aberdeen - Dublin run, surely the Ryanair run with the highest proportion of fiddlers to Normal People onboard.
# Posted on October 25th 2007 by Bren
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
No i agree but you know how they make the last minute tickets about250e.....in advance; 1e+tax.... they could really make a killing if they stopd you at the gate. jeez i hope Mr Ryans not reading this!
# Posted on October 25th 2007 by jig
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
I´ve not read all the post here but I say f***ck Ryanair. I´m cheap as hell but i've got money to spend, and I´m quite prepared to spendit on airfare. If I was 18 and skint I would go for the cheapest flight availble but I´m 35 and I don't want to herded about like cattle. As much as I love Irelnad, Ryanair can git tae f*ck as far as I' concerned. It's just not worth flying out from an airport out on the sticks and then landing in the middle in the middle of nowhere, and you've not had ar drink on the plane.
# Posted on October 26th 2007 by Björn
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
Rereading my last post I'm ashamed of my spelling errors and the bad grmmar. The sentiment still stands though. Unless you´re desperate for money I say boycott Ryanair and all their ilk. I´d rather pay a bit more for my flight and be treated as a human being than fly with a low fare airline.
# Posted on October 26th 2007 by Björn
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
"rather than fly" stick that in the post above.
# Posted on October 26th 2007 by Björn
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
Mmooo!
# Posted on October 26th 2007 by jig
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
Except you won't pay a "bit" more Björn, you'll pay a *lot* more.
Before Ryanair started the Aberdeen Dublin link, it could take us all day to get there and cost around £500 return if we went by air via Heathrow.
Now it's about an hour and £25 inc tax and bags. I have no idea why you think they treat passengers during flights any worse than other airlines - it hasn't been my experience, despite the many sniffy reports in the media I've seen.
Now, Aberdeen, Dublin, Kerry and Shannon may be out in the sticks to you but they're exactly where I need to go/leave from.
# Posted on October 26th 2007 by Bren
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
Have i missed something here? this thread was started by a Mr Ryan........ think the games up lads, we wont be able to sneak a tin whistle past check in now !
# Posted on October 26th 2007 by jig
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
Ryan's away.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7026921.stm
*O'Leary* runs the show now, so watch it!!!!
# Posted on October 26th 2007 by Bren
Re: Ryanair from Birmingham
whew, for a moment there!
God bless him,
# Posted on October 26th 2007 by jig