JBSA Randolph Lodging Guide: Staying at Joint Base San Antonio (2025)

Looking for lodging at JBSA-Randolph? Understanding how Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) lodging works can save you time, stress, and money—especially during peak PCS season when rooms fill fast. This comprehensive guide explains the JBSA lodging system, how to handle Non-Availability Statements, your options at Lackland and Fort Sam Houston, and why military crash pads near Randolph AFB are often the smartest choice for extended stays. For crash pad reimbursement details, see our DTS reimbursement guide.

Understanding Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Lodging

Joint Base San Antonio is a consolidated military installation consisting of three main locations:

Installation	Primary Mission	Lodging Facility	Location
JBSA-Randolph	Air Force training (PIT, IFF, RPA), 12th Flying Training Wing HQ	Randolph Inn	Universal City, TX
JBSA-Lackland	Basic Military Training, Tech School, Security Forces training	Gateway Inn & Suites	San Antonio, TX
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston	Army Medical Command, TRADOC, Joint training	Army Lodging	San Antonio, TX

How the JBSA Lodging System Works

When you have orders to Randolph AFB, your first step is contacting Randolph Inn to book lodging. However, during high-demand periods (summer PCS season, graduation weeks, training cycles), Randolph lodging fills up quickly.

Here's what happens when Randolph is full:

Check overflow lodging at other JBSA installations (Lackland or Fort Sam Houston)
Book off-base alternatives like crash pads (no Non-A needed if at per diem rate!)
Request a Non-Availability (Non-A) Statement only if booking commercial hotels that exceed the on-base lodging rate

Randolph Inn: Your First Stop

📍 Location: 415 B Street East, Universal City, TX 78150

📞 Contact:

Main: 210-652-1844
DSN: 487-1844
Toll-Free: 1-888-AF-LODGE (888-235-6343)
Hours: 24/7 front desk

Room Types at Randolph Inn

VAQ (Visiting Airman Quarters): Basic rooms for E1-E6
VQ (Visiting Quarters): Standard rooms for E7-O5
TLF (Temporary Lodging Facility): Kitchenette units for PCS families (30-day max, 10 days reimbursable)
DVQ (Distinguished Visitor Quarters): Premium suites for O6+

Why Randolph Fills Up Fast

✈️ PIT (Pilot Instructor Training) students (6-12 months)
✈️ IFF (Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals) pipeline
✈️ RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) training courses
✈️ Summer PCS season (May-August)
✈️ Graduation ceremonies and family visits

💡 Pro Tip: If you're attending training at Randolph for 2+ months, skip the inn and go straight to a crash pad (see below).

What is a Non-Availability (Non-A) Statement?

A Non-Availability Statement is an official document issued by base lodging when no rooms are available. However, you only need a Non-A if you're booking commercial lodging that costs MORE than the on-base lodging rate.

Do You Need a Non-A for a Crash Pad?

No! Since crash pads charge the same rate as on-base lodging per diem, you do NOT need a Non-A Statement. Simply:

✅ Book your crash pad
✅ Submit your lease agreement with receipts to finance
✅ Get reimbursed at the standard lodging per diem rate

When DO You Need a Non-A?

You only need a Non-A Statement if you're staying at:

❌ Commercial hotels that charge MORE than the on-base rate
❌ Off-base lodging where you want to claim higher-than-normal per diem rates

How to Get a Non-A Statement (If Needed)

Call Randolph Lodging: 210-652-1844
Request availability for your dates
If full, ask for a Non-A Statement (they'll provide a confirmation number or email)
Save the statement for your travel voucher in DTS

💡 Pro Tip: Skip the hassle of Non-A statements by booking a crash pad at the per diem rate instead of an expensive hotel!

Overflow Lodging at Other JBSA Installations

When Randolph is full, you have two on-base alternatives within the JBSA system:

Option 1: JBSA-Lackland (Gateway Inn & Suites)

📍 Location: 1170 5th Street, JBSA-Lackland, TX 78236
📞 Contact: 210-671-3700 | DSN 473-3700
🚗 Distance from Randolph: ~20 miles (30-40 min drive)

Pros:

✅ Largest lodging capacity in JBSA
✅ Recently renovated rooms
✅ Close to BMT graduations (if visiting a trainee)
✅ More dining options on base

Cons:

❌ Long commute to Randolph (30-40 min in traffic)
❌ Gate access can be slow during peak hours
❌ Still fills up during BMT graduation weekends

Option 2: JBSA-Fort Sam Houston (Army Lodging)

📍 Location: 2502 Stanley Road, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234
📞 Contact: 210-221-0814 | DSN 471-0814
🚗 Distance from Randolph: ~15 miles (25-35 min drive)

Pros:

✅ Closer to Randolph than Lackland
✅ Quieter, less foot traffic
✅ Access to Fort Sam Houston amenities (DFAC, gym, commissary)

Cons:

❌ Smaller lodging capacity
❌ Army facility (different check-in procedures for Air Force)
❌ Still a 25+ minute commute to Randolph

The Smarter Alternative: Military Crash Pads

Here's the reality: driving 30-40 minutes each way to Lackland or Fort Sam Houston gets old fast—especially if you're at Randolph for months of training. That's where military crash pads become the game-changer.

Why Crash Pads Beat JBSA Overflow Lodging

Factor	JBSA Overflow (Lackland/Fort Sam)	Military Crash Pad
Commute Time	30-40 min each way	10-15 min to Randolph
Nightly Rate	Varies by rank/room type	Same as lodging per diem rate
Cost to You	Covered by per diem	No additional cost - same per diem rate
Space	Hotel room (300 sq ft)	Full house/apartment (private bedroom, kitchen, living room)
Flexibility	30-day TLF limit	Month-to-month, no limit
Pets	Very few pet rooms	Many pet-friendly options
Living Arrangement	Isolated hotel room	Shared or entire home options available
Non-A Required?	No (on-base)	No (at per diem rate)

Where to Find Military Crash Pads Near Randolph AFB

DoDCrashPads.com specializes in verified, compliant lodging near military bases:

What Makes DoDCrashPads Different?

✅ JTR-Compliant Listings

Private bedroom
Full kitchen
Receipts provided for DTS vouchers

✅ Veteran-Verified Hosts

Properties owned/managed by military families, veterans, or DoD civilians
Understand PCS/TDY challenges and orders-based cancellations
Local insights and base commute tips

✅ Flexible Terms

Nightly, weekly, or monthly rates
No 30-day TLF limit
Month-to-month leases (perfect for training pipelines)

✅ Pet-Friendly Options

Many homes with fenced yards
No breed restrictions (unlike base lodging)
Save on kennel fees

Typical Crash Pad Features

🏠 Private Bedroom: Your own space with lock
🛁 Private or Shared Bathroom: Clearly listed in each property
🍳 Full Kitchen: Cook meals, save $20-$30/day on dining out
👥 Living Arrangements: Choose from shared homes, entire homes, or properties where most rooms are vacant
🧺 In-Unit Laundry: No more laundromat trips
🚗 Parking: Dedicated spot included
🐕 Pet-Friendly: Bring your dog or cat (many options available)

Crash Pad Living Arrangements Explained

Shared Homes (Most Common):

Private bedroom in a home with other military tenants (typically 2-4 roommates)
Shared kitchen, living room, and common areas
Build community with other students/pilots going through training
Group reservations available - bring your friends and rent together!

Entire Homes:

Rent the full property for yourself or your family
No roommates, full privacy
Perfect for PCS with family or those who prefer solo living

Partially Occupied Homes:

Some properties have multiple bedrooms with only 1-2 currently occupied
You may have the place mostly to yourself
Great middle ground between shared and entire home

💡 Pro Tip: Many crash pad hosts honor group reservations if you have classmates or friends who want to live together during training. Just ask when booking!

Cost Comparison: Crash Pad vs. JBSA Overflow

🎯 Key Point: Crash pads charge the same rate as your lodging per diem, so there's no additional cost to you. You get significantly more space, a better location, and improved quality of life for the same price as cramped on-base lodging at a distant installation.

💡 Real Savings: While the per diem rate covers your lodging, crash pads save you money on:

⛽ Gas & commute costs (10-15 min vs. 30-40 min to base = $200+/month saved)
🍳 Meal costs (full kitchen vs. eating out daily = $500+/month saved)
🕒 Time = money (Save 160+ hours on commuting over 4 months)
🐕 Kennel fees avoided (if you have pets)

Example: 4-month TDY to Randolph for PIT training

Lodging Option	Your Cost	Commute Time (Daily)	Real-World Savings
JBSA-Lackland TLF	Covered by per diem	60-80 min round trip	Lose $700+/month on gas & meals
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston	Covered by per diem	50-70 min round trip	Lose $700+/month on gas & meals
Military Crash Pad	Covered by per diem	20-30 min round trip	Save $700+/month on gas & meals

How to Book a Crash Pad Near Randolph AFB

No Non-A Statement Required! Since crash pads charge the same rate as on-base lodging, booking is simple:

Search crash pads on DoDCrashPads.com
Filter by:
- Living arrangement (shared home, entire home, or partially occupied)
- Pet-friendly (if needed)
- Private vs. shared bathroom
- Number of bedrooms
- Move-in date
Contact host to confirm availability and request lease agreement
- Ask about group reservations if booking with friends!
Book your crash pad and coordinate move-in
Submit lease agreement + receipts to finance for standard lodging per diem reimbursement
Move in and enjoy better lodging for the same price—no Non-A hassle!

What to Ask Crash Pad Hosts

✅ Is the nightly rate set to the Randolph AFB lodging per diem rate?
✅ Do you provide monthly or itemized receipts for DTS vouchers?
✅ Is the bedroom private with a lock?
✅ Does every room have its own bathroom?
✅ What's the living arrangement? (Shared home, entire home, or partially occupied?)
✅ How many other tenants currently live in the property?
✅ What's the cancellation policy if orders change?
✅ Do you accept group reservations for friends booking together?

JBSA Lodging Comparison Chart

Installation	Best For	Commute to Randolph	Pet-Friendly?	Contact
JBSA-Randolph	Short TDYs, quick visits	On base	Very limited	210-652-1844
JBSA-Lackland	BMT graduations, Lackland training	30-40 min	Limited	210-671-3700
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston	Army training, medical TDY	25-35 min	Limited	210-221-0814
Military Crash Pad	Extended TDY (2+ months), PCS house-hunting, training pipelines	10-15 min	Many options	DoDCrashPads.com

Special Situations: JBSA Lodging Tips

PCS to Randolph with Family

If you're PCSing with a family, crash pads offer:

🏠 More space than a TLF (multiple bedrooms, full kitchen, yard)
💰 Same cost as on-base lodging (Randolph per diem rate)
🕒 No 30-day TLF limit (take your time house-hunting)
🐕 Pet-friendly options (no kennel fees!)
🏡 Entire home options available for full family privacy

Long-Term Training (PIT, IFF, RPA)

If you're at Randolph for 6-12 months of training, a crash pad is essential:

✅ Build a community with other students (or rent an entire home for privacy)
✅ Cook your own meals (save $500+/month)
✅ Month-to-month lease (no long-term commitment)
✅ 10 min from base (vs. 30-40 min from Lackland)
👥 Group reservations available - book with your classmates!

TDY with Pets

JBSA lodging has very few pet rooms, and they book months in advance. Crash pads solve this:

🐕 Fenced yards for dogs
🐈 No breed/size restrictions
🏡 Spacious homes (not cramped hotel rooms)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay at Lackland or Fort Sam Houston if Randolph is full?

Yes! JBSA lodging operates as a network. If Randolph is full, they'll check availability at Lackland or Fort Sam Houston and issue a Non-A Statement if those are also full. However, you're not required to stay at overflow JBSA lodging—you can choose a crash pad or commercial hotel if it better suits your needs.

Do I need a Non-A to book a crash pad?

No! Since crash pads charge the same rate as on-base lodging per diem, you do NOT need a Non-A Statement. Simply book your crash pad, submit your lease agreement with receipts to finance, and you'll be reimbursed at the standard lodging per diem rate. Non-A statements are only required for commercial hotels that charge MORE than the on-base rate.

Will my crash pad be approved for per diem?

Yes, as long as it meets JTR requirements:

✅ Private bedroom & bathroom
✅ Charged at the Randolph AFB lodging per diem rate
✅ Receipts provided by host

All listings on DoDCrashPads.com are JTR-compliant, charge the per diem rate, and hosts are familiar with military per diem requirements.

How far in advance should I book JBSA lodging?

Stay Type	Book This Far in Advance
TDY (short-term)	30-60 days
PCS (TLF)	60-90 days (as soon as you get orders)
Training (2+ months)	Book a crash pad immediately
BMT Graduation weekend	90+ days (Lackland fills fast)

Can I split my stay between JBSA lodging and a crash pad?

Absolutely! Many people book the first 1-2 weeks at Randolph Inn (to get settled and find a crash pad), then transition to a crash pad for the rest of their stay. Just make sure to:

Update your lodging dates with Randolph front desk
Book your crash pad (no Non-A needed!)
Submit both sets of receipts to finance for reimbursement

Conclusion: Choose Smart, Save Money

The JBSA lodging system offers multiple options, but not all are created equal. While Randolph Inn is convenient for short stays, and Lackland/Fort Sam Houston overflow can work in a pinch, military crash pads provide the best value, convenience, and quality of life for anyone staying 2+ months.

Ready to find your crash pad near Randolph AFB?
👉 Search DoDCrashPads.com for verified, JTR-compliant lodging.

Quick Reference: JBSA Lodging Contacts

Installation	Phone	DSN	Address
JBSA-Randolph (Randolph Inn)	210-652-1844	487-1844	415 B St East, Universal City, TX 78150
JBSA-Lackland (Gateway Inn)	210-671-3700	473-3700	1170 5th St, JBSA-Lackland, TX 78236
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston (Army Lodging)	210-221-0814	471-0814	2502 Stanley Rd, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234
Air Force Inns (National)	1-888-235-6343	N/A	af.dodlodging.net

Last updated: November 13, 2025 | Information sourced from JBSA official resources, Air Force Inns, and RandolphHousing.com