Ouch, that's a tough one!
If you did disappear for nine days, would they notice? If you have to 'check-in' could somebody do it on your behalf?
Could you plead a family bereavement on the other side of the country perhaps? I know it's dishonest but you have a right to live somewhere AND have a life to live.
Aside from lying, I'd take the hit on the bus fare and fly
but I love flying probably about as much as you hate flying!
Hope it all works out for you