Military Crash Pads: Randolph, Altus, Little Rock AFB Guide

What Is a Crash Pad or PIT Pad?

When you receive TDY or PCS orders, lodging becomes one of the most important decisions you'll make. Many airmen don't realize that they are not limited to on-base billeting.

A crash pad is a fully-furnished house near an Air Force base that rents by the room or as a whole property. It's designed for military members on TDY or PCS orders who want more space and comfort than a hotel room or base lodging. Find crash pads near Randolph AFB, Altus AFB, and Little Rock AFB. For reimbursement details, see our DTS guide.

Typical amenities include:

Fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances
In-unit laundry (washer and dryer)
High-speed Wi-Fi
Private or shared bedrooms
Parking
Common living areas

These properties are located close to Air Force bases, making your commute short and your off-duty time more relaxing.

Do Crash Pads Cost More Than Base Lodging?

Actually, crash pads are often more affordable than on-base lodging when you factor in the quality, space, and amenities.

According to the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), you can use your lodging per diem for off-base accommodations. In many cases, a crash pad will cost the same or less than what you'd pay on base—while giving you a full kitchen, laundry, and more privacy.

You can even split costs with roommates, making crash pads one of the most budget-friendly options for TDY assignments.

Why Choose a Crash Pad Instead of On-Base Lodging?

Here's why many airmen choose crash pads:

More Space: Private or shared bedrooms in a full house vs. a small room.
Full Kitchen: Save money by cooking your own meals.
Laundry On-Site: No more waiting for shared machines or paying per load.
Flexibility: Book for as long as you need—no 30-day limits.
Pet-Friendly Options: Many crash pads welcome pets.
Community: Live with fellow military members who understand the lifestyle.

Randolph AFB Crash Pads (San Antonio, TX)

Randolph Air Force Base, located in Universal City near San Antonio, Texas, is home to Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and the 12th Flying Training Wing.

What makes Randolph unique:

Close proximity to downtown San Antonio
Easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment
Vibrant military community
Great weather year-round

Crash Pad Options Near Randolph:

DoDCrashPads.com offers several properties within a 10-15 minute drive from Randolph AFB. These homes feature:

Fully furnished bedrooms
Shared or private bathrooms
Full kitchens with modern appliances
High-speed internet and streaming services
Washer and dryer in-unit
Covered parking

Average Cost: $800-$1,200/month per room (well within BAH and per diem rates)

Popular Neighborhoods:

Universal City (5 minutes from base)
Schertz (10 minutes from base)
Converse (15 minutes from base)

Altus AFB Crash Pads (Altus, OK)

Altus Air Force Base in southwestern Oklahoma is home to the 97th Air Mobility Wing and is a critical training hub for tanker and airlift aircraft.

What makes Altus unique:

Smaller, tight-knit community
Low cost of living
Quiet, rural setting
Ideal for focused training

Crash Pad Options Near Altus:

DoDCrashPads.com provides crash pads within 5-10 minutes of Altus AFB. These properties offer:

Modern, updated interiors
Full kitchen access
Private bedrooms with queen or king beds
High-speed Wi-Fi
On-site laundry
Outdoor spaces for relaxation

Average Cost: $700-$1,000/month per room

Why Altus Airmen Love Crash Pads:

With limited on-base lodging and few hotel options nearby, crash pads offer the best combination of convenience, comfort, and value. Plus, you're living with fellow students and instructors, creating a built-in support network.

Little Rock AFB Crash Pads (Little Rock, AR)

Little Rock Air Force Base, located in Jacksonville, Arkansas, is home to the 19th Airlift Wing and the C-130 Hercules aircraft.

What makes Little Rock unique:

Close to the state capital
Affordable cost of living
Access to outdoor recreation (lakes, trails, parks)
Growing food and entertainment scene

Crash Pad Options Near Little Rock:

DoDCrashPads.com features properties within 10-15 minutes of Little Rock AFB, including:

Spacious homes with multiple bedrooms
Fully equipped kitchens
In-unit laundry
High-speed internet
Covered parking
Pet-friendly options available

Average Cost: $750-$1,100/month per room

Popular Areas:

Jacksonville (right outside the base)
Cabot (15 minutes north)
Sherwood (20 minutes southwest)

How to Choose the Right Crash Pad for Your Assignment

Here's what to consider when selecting a crash pad:

Distance to Base: How long of a commute are you comfortable with? Most crash pads are within 10-15 minutes of the gate.
Roommate Situation: Do you want a private room or are you comfortable sharing? Shared rooms are more affordable.
Amenities: What's important to you? Full kitchen? Gym access? Pet-friendly?
Lease Length: How long is your TDY or training? Make sure the lease terms match your needs.
Budget: Check your lodging per diem and BAH rates. Most crash pads fall well within these limits.
Reviews and Photos: Always check photos and read reviews from other military members.

Top Amenities to Look for in a Crash Pad

When browsing options on DoDCrashPads.com, prioritize these features:

Full kitchen (save money on meals)
In-unit laundry (convenience and cost savings)
High-speed Wi-Fi (for work and entertainment)
Private bedroom (better sleep and privacy)
Parking (covered or garage preferred)
Furnished (no need to buy or ship furniture)
Pet-friendly (if you're bringing a pet)

Can You Bring Your Family on TDY?

Yes! Many crash pads offer multi-bedroom options perfect for families.

If your orders allow it and you're authorized dependent travel, a crash pad can be a great option. You'll have:

Multiple bedrooms
Full kitchen for family meals
Living areas for quality time
Often more space than a hotel suite

Check with your finance office about dependent per diem rates and reimbursement eligibility.

Tips for Booking and DTS Reimbursement

Follow these steps to ensure smooth booking and reimbursement:

Before You Book:

Check your lodging per diem rate for the location (use the GSA Per Diem tool)
Confirm your TDY dates and location
Get your orders and ensure lodging is authorized

When Booking:

Visit DoDCrashPads.com
Filter by base (Randolph, Altus, Little Rock)
Select dates and number of guests
Review property details, photos, and amenities
Book online—receive instant confirmation

For DTS Reimbursement:

Request a detailed receipt from the property owner (DoDCrashPads.com provides this automatically)
Enter your lodging expenses in DTS
Upload your receipt
Submit your voucher

Important Notes:

If the crash pad rate is below your per diem, you can pocket the difference (actual expense method)
Keep all receipts and confirmation emails
Some units require a Non-Availability Statement if on-base lodging is full—check with your finance office

JTR Reference:

Per the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), Chapter 2, Part E, you may be reimbursed for actual lodging expenses up to the maximum lodging rate. Off-base accommodations like crash pads are fully authorized.

How DoDCrashPads.com Helps

DoDCrashPads.com is built by military members, for military members. We understand the unique challenges of TDY life, and we've made it easy to find quality crash pads near your base.

Features:

Filter by base, dates, and price
Instant booking confirmation
Detailed photos and amenities
Automatic receipt generation for DTS
24/7 customer support

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are crash pads authorized for reimbursement?
A: Yes! Per the JTR, you can be reimbursed for off-base lodging up to your per diem rate.

Q: Can I book a crash pad for just a few weeks?
A: Absolutely. Many crash pads offer flexible terms, from a few weeks to several months.

Q: What if I need to cancel?
A: Cancellation policies vary by property. Check the listing details or contact us for assistance.

Q: Are utilities included?
A: Most crash pads include utilities (water, electric, internet) in the monthly rate. Always confirm in the listing.

Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Many crash pads are pet-friendly! Use the "Pet-Friendly" filter when searching.

Conclusion

Whether you're heading to Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Altus AFB in Oklahoma, or Little Rock AFB in Arkansas, crash pads offer the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and value.

With fully furnished rooms, full kitchens, in-unit laundry, and flexible terms, crash pads are often more affordable and comfortable than on-base lodging or hotels.

Ready to find your perfect crash pad?

Visit DoDCrashPads.com today and browse available properties. Filter by base, dates, and amenities to find the ideal home for your TDY or training assignment.

Happy house hunting, and thank you for your service!