Liberty Jet
800-879-2345, www.libertyjet.net
Long Island, New York, company has bases in Chicago and San Francisco. Recently had a jet diverted due to weather; pilot drove clients home from the secondary airport at no charge. Clients include Mark Sutton, former C.E.O. of UBS Americas; W. Thomas “Tucker” York Jr., managing director and head of private-wealth management for Goldman, Sachs; Senator Hillary Clinton; and Scott Seamans, inventor of Crocs shoes. Rates range from $2,700 (for a Citation) to $4,400 (for a Falcon) and up per flight hour.

Clay-Lacy Aviation
800-423-2904, www.claylacy.com
West Coast’s oldest charter-jet company has a fleet of 50, including a Boeing Business Jet 12. Focuses on the client-pilot dynamic: If a customer gets along with the flight crew, Clay-Lacy ensures the same pilot, co-pilot, and flight attendant serves him on all flights. Clients include execs from top-grossing U.S. corporations, bankers, Silicon Valley types, and A-list celebrities. Rates range from $2,150 to $12,000 per flight hour.

Meridian Air Charter
201-288-5459, www.meridianaircharter.com
Teterboro, New Jersey, group has about 10 jets, including three Gulfstream IVs. Clients get a computer code to access flight information, from weather to flight-path schedule. Known for service touches, like gift bags for kids or a surprise birthday meal. Clients include a cross section of New York executives in industries from finance to fashion to publishing. Rates range from $2,100 (Citation S/II) to $5,700 (Gulfstream IV) per flight hour.

Worldwide Jet
877-517-9380, www.worldwidejet.com
Worldwide’s fleet of 12 includes eight Gulfstreams and four Challengers. Guarantees no flight will be bumped by last-minute needs of owner. On recent global 10-day flight, sent a fresh flight crew ahead to replace the old one. Clients include hedge funds execs, movie- and music-industry types, investment bankers, and real estate executives. Rates run from $4,350 (Challenger) to $5,650 (Gulfstream IV) per flight hour.

Integrity Jet
770-683-9686, www.integrityjetcharter.com
Southern, family operation has seven jets, including two Lear 31s and a G5; can also arrange for other models, from a King Air to a Gulfstream G550. Guarantees punctuality and attend to clients’ comfort, including kids’ interests. Clients include I.P.O. road shows, Donna Karan, and a variety of high-profile figures in the entertainment industry. Rates range from $900 (Conquest) to $8,000 (G5) per flight hour.

Aviation Services Group
205-849-3848, www.aviationservicesgroup.com
Small Birmingham, Alabama, company flies only in North America. Has eight light jets, including a Beechjet 400A, Citation CJ2, King Air 90, 200, and 350, and a Hawker 800HP. Doesn’t advertise; down-to-earth reputation has earned it steady base of loyal customers. Clients include financial institutions, marketing companies, and executives for domestic corporations. Rates run from $950 (King Air 90) to $2,900 (Hawker) per flight hour.

Executive Jet Management
877-356-5387, www.executivejetmanagement.com
One of the largest charter operators has a fleet of about 90 aircraft—from helicopters and Beechjet 400As to Challengers and Boeing Business Jets. Can also arrange service on very large jets, like Boeing 737s. Clients include investment companies, the Silicon Valley high-tech crowd, entertainers, and leisure travelers; a popular choice for I.P.O. road shows. Rates range from $1,400 (King Air turboprop) to $8,000 (G5 or Global Express) per flight hour.