I like the driving back idea, and the seeing if you can let them know the pup is service pup in training and see if they will allow it to fly with you.
If nothing else then the shortest flight possible is best if you can afford it.
It is very traumatic for a pup when it is first taken from it's mom and sibblings, so I would want to make the trip home the least stressful as possible.

I can't wait to see pictures of it. I love GS pups, they are my favorite.