Peachfront, I agree mostly with what you've said and it's a very good clinical approach. My only comment along with it is that cost may not be the only factor but rather the logistics. For a commercial Airline to be willing to transport a sedated patient over the 7.5 hours the flight is blocked for is a big problem when the patient is know for "freaking out" on planes.
Driving and trains don't sound so great either. I agree a medical evacuation with sedative therapy is the best/only route the family should take.