I do believe there was an issue with Michael's back or something, and he was rushed to Cedar's earlier that morning in a car/SUV.
One major thing that's been bugging me: if an airplane was used, the smaller ones use Santa Monica. I've been on a Westwind, from there to Cabo & back. Landed in San Diego for forced inspection, then brought back home with my friends. Looks like this from the outside: http://www.sitnews.us/0807news/082507/082507_jet.html
Holds about 10 passengers, plus pilots unless you fixed it up.
LAX is for the planes that need larger landing strips, such as 737s, 747s, Dreamliners, etc. and just easier for mass Intl. flights.
Santa Monica would be the closest, small plane airport that can handle a plane needed to fly out of the country - no need to take time to go inland to Van Nuys.