Carrie Telitz (left), charter operations manager for Jimsair, says the company prides itself on the personal attention it gives to customers. Marcello Tadovani is lead charter coordinator, and Asuka Verenini, charter coordinator.

The Donald Trumps of the world can step aside: private air charter is more accessible now than ever, and you don’t have to be a business mogul to afford it.

“It’s not just for the multi-millionaire,” says Roy Irwin, general manager of Schubach Aviation at Palomar Airport, citing his own neighbors in a “not particularly affluent” neighborhood as customers.

Rob Hembury, director of operations for Jet Air Systems at Gillespie Field, sees the same diversity.

“Our demographics are all over the place,” he says. “We might take a couple to Vegas, a family to Hawaii or a business client to Fresno.”

Jet Source’s Palomar to Las Vegas route has become so popular, in fact, the company is opening a second facility there next year.

“We’ll have two 35,000-square-foot hangars in Henderson. We’ve found we can get passengers to the Strip faster from there than from McCarran,” says Megan Cunningham, vice president for charter services. “We’ve found tremendous growth in the Vegas market.”

Still, at $4,000 to $5,000 round-trip for a small jet to Sin City, chartering isn’t for bargain seekers who pride themselves on nabbing Southwest Airlines’ Ding! fares.

“I might be able to drop the price $200 to $300 sometimes, but if that makes a big difference it’s probably more than you are able to spend anyway,” says Jim Norman, owner of Affordable Air Charter, a two-plane operation based at Montgomery Field.

For those who can dig a little deeper, the sky’s the limit, so to speak. At Jimsair, as with most charters, the aircraft comes complete with choice beverages, catering and even TVs, DVDs and phones on some planes.

“We really pride ourselves on our service,” says Carrie Telitz, Jimsair’s charter operations manager. “We provide the whole package with high attention to detail, from the quote right through to the pilots. It’s very personal attention.”

So personal, in fact, that none of the charter services contacted for this story was willing to name its clients, citing privacy concerns.

The Gulfstream 400, Jet Source’s largest aircraft, seats 14 and can travel 4,200 miles.

“Part of the reason people fly charter is because they do not want that information disclosed; we keep everything confidential,” says Jet Source’s Cunningham. “It’s a pretty tight-knit group of people we work with.”

But it’s a group that appears to be growing, both in San Diego and nationwide. The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) reports 56 percent of American companies used alternative travel — such as corporate jets and charter flights — in 2005, compared to 33 percent in 2004 and 27 percent in 2002.

Increased airport security hassles notwithstanding, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics says slightly more than 25 percent of all flights this year have been delayed. But with chartered flights, the plane leaves and returns on the customer’s schedule.

“Unlike a commercial flight, we won’t leave without you and we’ll wait until your meeting is over and you’re ready to return,” says Jimsair’s Telitz.

“People look at the dollar figure and think it’s too expensive, but when you put it together it’s really about what your time is worth,” says Jet Air’s Hembury. “Add to the equation having to show up at the airport, wait in lines, deal with delays and then maybe that commercial flight can’t even take you near where you want to go, so there’s car travel, too.”

Is chartering right for you? The experts provided answers to their most frequently asked questions.

How far in advance do I need to make a reservation?

If a plane is available that fits your needs, two to three hours’ notice is sufficient for most charter companies.

“We fax the paperwork back and forth and do all the work behind the scenes, so when the passenger arrives, everything is ready to go, they drive right up to the plane, we offload the luggage and valet the car, and they are in the air in a matter of minutes,” says Cunningham.

How soon do I need to be there before the flight?

“For a 10 a.m. flight, 9:59 works,” says Hembury. In other words, your chariot awaits.

What kind of security will I go through?

None. Keep your shoes on and your laptop in its bag. And there are no fashion police — so go ahead and wear that forbidden mini skirt if you want.

“We run the (passenger) names through TSA beforehand, and then the pilots just check IDs on the plane,” says Telitz.

Can I bring anything I want?

Charters follow TSA rules for explosives, but pretty much anything else goes, including Fido.

“We are pet-friendly,” says Hembury. “They can walk right on the plane with you.”

How do I know which aircraft is right for me?

“We go through a list of questions, such as where you’re going and the number going and then we match the appropriate plane for the trip,” says Irwin. “We also ask what you’re bringing because not all planes can hold skis, for example.”

Charter companies often share aircraft, too.

“It goes back and forth. This business is not like Coke and Pepsi,” says Norman. “We call each other when we need to accommodate a client.”

How far can I go?

Most charter companies have aircraft that can go anywhere in North America, and to 5,000 airports, whereas commercial airlines only have access to 1,500. Europe is also becoming a popular charter destination — even if it does cost over $100,000 to charter.

“The demand for international travel is increasing every day,” says Irwin, who expects all larger charter companies will increase their fleet of longer-range aircraft to aid this trend.

When can I fly?

It depends on the airport. Jimsair’s hours are the same as Lindbergh’s, 6:30 a.m. to 11:55 p.m. Palomar is 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., while Montgomery and Gillespie are 24 hours a day.

I am a jittery flier. Wouldn’t it be a smoother ride for me on a larger commercial plane?

“I would say just the opposite,” Telitz asserts. “Our pilots talk with the passengers and put them at ease. They warn them about rough air, and avoid it as much as possible, where the commercial airlines aren’t able to deviate from their flight plans.”

I need a car at my destination. Can you arrange that?

“At the end of the day, 80 percent of our business is customer service and 20 percent is flying,” says Hembury. “That means if you need a limo, hotel, tickets and right down to diet Dr. Pepper on the plane, we will get it for you. People are paying a lot for this experience and they should be treated accordingly.”

Jet Source’s Cunningham says it’s the effortlessness that makes chartering so desirable.

“Private planes are quite luxurious and addictive,” she says. “Once you get started, you can’t go back to the regular airlines.”