I'm flying Ryanair tomorrow to france (off taking le morris anglaise to a french dance festival). I booked online, and it was fairly obvious in that process that musical instruments (and sports equipment) have to be booked in at an extra cost if going in hand luggage. There was a big button that said "add musical instruments or sports equipment" - so it wasn't like it was hidden in the terms and conditions or anything. For our flight, that was £40 - admittedly nearly as expensive as our tickets (£62 each inc baggage) - but not where near the £1000+ quoted in the paper...

As it goes, we have sent the instruments with those traveling by car (along with the sticks...:)

Jemma