Randolph AFB Lodging Reservations: How to Book (2025 Guide)

Received orders to Randolph Air Force Base? One of your first tasks is securing lodging—whether you're on TDY, PCS, or visiting for temporary duty. This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly how to book lodging at Randolph AFB, including who can stay, reservation procedures, contact information, and what to do when on-base lodging is full. For alternative housing options, see our JBSA lodging guide and Randolph crash pads.

🎓 Attending PIT, IFF, or RPA Training at Randolph?
If you're here for 2+ months of training, consider a military crash pad instead of on-base lodging:

✅ More space: Full kitchen and cooking supplies, living room, private bedroom vs. hotel-style room

✅ Same lodging cost: No additional cost to you - will charge the same on-base lodging rate

✅ Flexible terms: Month-to-month lease (no long-term commitment)

✅ Pet-friendly options: Bring your dog or cat (on-base has very few pet rooms!)

Many pilot training students choose crash pads to save money, have more space, and maintain a better quality of life during their extended training pipeline. See crash pad options below or skip ahead to find military-friendly crash pads near Randolph.

Quick Reference: Randolph AFB Lodging Reservations

Detail	Information
Primary Lodging	Randolph Inn (Air Force Inns)
Address	415 B Street East, Universal City, TX 78150
Phone	210-652-1844
DSN	312-487-1844
National Reservations	1-888-AF-LODGE (1-888-235-6343)
Email	randolphinn@us.af.mil
Online Booking	af.dodlodging.net
Front Desk Hours	24/7
Check-In	3:00 p.m.
Check-Out	11:00 a.m.

💡 Pro Tip: Book as soon as you receive orders—lodging fills up fast, especially May–August (PCS season) and during training class start dates!

Who Can Stay at Randolph AFB Lodging?

Before booking, confirm you're eligible to stay at Air Force lodging:

✅ Authorized Guests:

Active Duty Military (All Branches)

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard
On official orders (TDY, PCS, training)
Leisure travel (space-available basis)

Reserve & National Guard

When on active orders
Space-available for leisure (with valid ID)

Retired Military

All branches
Space-available basis (priority after active duty)

DoD Civilians

When on official travel orders
Stationed at or visiting Randolph AFB

Contractors

When on official DoD orders only
Must present orders at check-in
Not eligible for leisure stays

Military Dependents

When accompanying sponsor OR
When sponsor is deployed/TDY and dependent is visiting base

100% Disabled Veterans

Space-available basis
Must present VA disability verification

Medal of Honor Recipients

Priority lodging regardless of branch or status

❌ Not Authorized:

Veterans without 100% disability rating (unless on DoD orders)
Contractors without official orders
Civilian guests without military sponsor
Foreign nationals (unless on approved status)

Priority System: Who Gets a Room First?

When lodging is at capacity (common during PCS season), rooms are assigned based on priority:

Priority Level	Guest Type
1st Priority	TDY personnel on official orders
2nd Priority	PCS inbound/outbound personnel
3rd Priority	Official travelers (DoD civilians, contractors on orders)
4th Priority	Emergency leave travelers
5th Priority	Space-available leisure travelers (active duty, retirees, dependents)

What This Means:

If you're on TDY orders, you'll get a room before someone traveling for leisure
If you're PCSing, book early—you're 2nd priority but lodging still fills up
If you're retired and traveling for fun, call ahead to confirm availability

How to Book Randolph AFB Lodging (Step-by-Step)

Method 1: Call the Lodging Office (Recommended)

Best For: TDY/PCS travelers, families with kids, pet owners, or anyone with special requests

Phone: 210-652-1844 (24/7 front desk)
DSN: 312-487-1844
National: 1-888-AF-LODGE (1-888-235-6343)

What to Have Ready:

Your orders (PDF or printed copy)
Name, rank, and branch
Check-in and check-out dates
Number of guests (adults and children)
Room type preference (VAQ, VQ, TLF)
Credit card (for reservation hold)
Special requests (pet-friendly room, ground floor, crib, etc.)

What to Ask:

Is lodging available for my dates?
What's the nightly rate for my rank/room type?
Do I need a non-availability statement if full?
Are pet-friendly rooms available? (Very limited—ask early!)
What's your cancellation policy?

Method 2: Book Online

Best For: Quick reservations, checking availability, viewing room photos

Website: af.dodlodging.net

Steps:

Go to af.dodlodging.net
Click "Make a Reservation"
Search for "Randolph AFB" or "JBSA-Randolph"
Enter check-in/check-out dates
Select room type (VAQ, VQ, TLF, DVQ)
Review rates and amenities
Enter guest information
Confirm with credit card

Limitations:

Cannot request pet-friendly rooms online (must call)
Cannot request specific building/room number
May not show real-time availability during high-demand periods

⚠️ Important: If the online system shows "No Availability," call the lodging office anyway—rooms sometimes open up due to cancellations, and staff can put you on a waitlist.

Method 3: Email Reservations

Best For: Long-term stays, group reservations, or complex requests

Email: randolphinn@us.af.mil

Include in Your Email:

Full name, rank, branch
Check-in/check-out dates
Number of guests
Reason for visit (TDY, PCS, leisure)
Copy of orders (attach PDF)
Special requests (pets, accessibility, etc.)
Contact phone number

Response Time: 24–48 hours (call if urgent)

Booking Timeline: When to Reserve

TDY (Temporary Duty)

When to Book: As soon as you receive orders (ideally 30–90 days out)

Reservation Window:

Can book up to 120 days in advance for official duty
Recommended: 60 days out for best availability

Peak Times to Avoid (if possible):

May–August (PCS season)
January (post-holiday training starts)
September (fiscal year-end travel surge)

PCS (Permanent Change of Station)

When to Book: Immediately upon receiving orders (3–6 months out)

Reservation Window:

Can book up to 120 days in advance
TLF (Temporary Lodging Facility) rooms fill up 3+ months ahead in summer

Max Stay:

30 days for PCS personnel in TLF
Only 10 days reimbursed under TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense)
Plan alternative lodging for days 11–30 (see options below)

Leisure Travel (Space-Available)

When to Book: 30 days in advance (maximum for leisure)

Availability:

Very limited during May–August
Best availability: October–March
Call 1–2 weeks out to check space-A status

Room Types & Rates (FY 2025)

Randolph AFB offers several lodging types, with rates based on rank and room type:

1. Visiting Airman Quarters (VAQ)

Who Stays: Enlisted (E-1 to E-6 on TDY)
Rate: $99/night
Amenities:

Queen or full bed
Private bathroom
Mini-fridge and microwave
Cable TV, Wi-Fi
Coffee maker
Shared laundry facility

Best For: Single enlisted members on short TDY

2. Visiting Quarters (VQ) / Visiting Officer Quarters (VOQ)

Who Stays: Officers, senior enlisted (E-7+), DoD civilians
Rate: variable Amenities:

Queen bed
Private bathroom
Kitchenette (sink, mini-fridge, microwave)
Dining table
Cable TV, Wi-Fi
Coffee maker
Shared laundry facility

Best For: Officers and senior NCOs on TDY

3. Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF)

Who Stays: PCS families, families on TDY
Rate: variable Amenities:

1–2 bedrooms (sleeps 2–4)
Full kitchen (stove, oven, full-size fridge)
Living room with sofa
Dining table
Cable TV, Wi-Fi
In-unit washer/dryer (some units)
Private patio or balcony (some units)

Best For: Families house-hunting during PCS, families with kids

Max Stay: 30 days (only 10 days reimbursed under TLE)

4. Distinguished Visitor Quarters (DVQ)

Who Stays: O-6 and above, General Officers, VIPs
Rate: variable Amenities:

Larger suite-style room
Full kitchen
Separate living area
Premium furnishings
Private entrance (some units)

Best For: Senior officers, command visits

Check-In & Check-Out Policies

Check-In

Time: 3:00 p.m. (standard)
Early Check-In: Available if rooms are ready (call ahead to request)
Late Arrival: Front desk is open 24/7—no problem!

What to Bring:

Military ID (CAC) or dependent ID
Orders (TDY or PCS—printed or digital)
Credit card (for incidentals/deposit)
Driver's license (if renting a car on base)

Check-In Process:

Park in visitor parking lot
Enter main lobby (Bldg 415)
Present ID and orders at front desk
Provide credit card for deposit ($50–$100, refunded at checkout)
Receive room key and parking pass
Get map/directions to your building

🚗 Parking Tip: Each room has one designated parking spot. Additional vehicles may need to park in overflow lot (free).

Check-Out

Time: 11:00 a.m. (strict)
Late Check-Out: Must request at front desk (subject to availability)
Late Fee: 1 night's charge if checkout after 11:00 a.m. without approval

Check-Out Process:

Return room keys to front desk
Verify no damages or missing items
Credit card hold released (may take 3–5 business days)
Request receipt for DTS voucher (TDY travelers)

Payment Methods & Policies

Accepted:

✅ Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex)
✅ Government Travel Card (GTC) — required for TDY if issued
✅ Debit cards (with credit function)
✅ Cash (deposit required)

Not Accepted:

❌ Personal checks
❌ Military Star Card

Payment Schedule:

Stays under 15 days: Payment at checkout
Stays over 15 days: Payment every 15 days

Deposit:

$50–$100 credit card hold at check-in
Covers potential damages or incidentals
Refunded at checkout if no issues

Cancellation Policy

Free Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before check-in

Late Cancellation/No-Show:

Charged 1 night's stay
Applies to no-shows (didn't call to cancel)

How to Cancel:

Call 210-652-1844
Email randolphinn@us.af.mil
Online (if booked via af.dodlodging.net)

Pro Tip: If your orders change, cancel ASAP to avoid charges!

What to Do When Lodging is Full

Randolph AFB lodging fills up fast, especially during:

May–August (PCS season)
January (post-holiday training)
Graduation weeks (pilot training classes)

Step 1: Request a Non-Availability Statement

What It Is: Official letter stating on-base lodging is full

Why You Need It: Authorizes you to stay off-base and claim full per diem instead of on-base rate

How to Get It:

Call Randolph Lodging: 210-652-1844
Request a "Non-Availability Statement" (or "Non-A Slip")
They'll email or fax it to you (or print at check-in if in person)
Save this for your DTS voucher!

Step 2: Check Other JBSA Lodging

Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) has three installations with lodging:

JBSA-Lackland Lodging

Phone: 210-671-3603
Distance from Randolph: 25 miles (35 min drive)
Best For: If you need to visit Lackland for in-processing

JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Lodging

Phone: 210-221-1931
Distance from Randolph: 20 miles (30 min drive)
Best For: Medical appointments at BAMC

🚗 Commute Consideration: Staying at Lackland or Fort Sam means a 30–40 minute commute to Randolph—plan accordingly!

Step 3: Consider Military-Friendly Off-Base Lodging

When on-base lodging is full, military crash pads offer the best alternative:

Why Crash Pads Beat Hotels:

✅ Per Diem Compliant

Private bedroom
Full kitchen (qualifies for meal deduction waiver)
House common areas- back yard, media rooms, living rooms, pools, etc.
Receipts provided for DTS

✅ Cost-Effective

Nightly: $50–$90/night (vs. $95–$140 for hotels)
Monthly: $1,200–$2,200/month (vs. $2,800–$4,200 for hotels)
Save hundreds during extended TDY or PCS house-hunting

✅ More Space & Comfort

Full kitchen (cook meals, save $20–$30/day and avoid fast food)
Living room, private bedroom
In-unit laundry
Fenced yards (pet-friendly!)

✅ Flexible Terms

Nightly, weekly, or monthly
No 30-day TLF limit
Orders-based cancellations (hosts understand military life)

✅ Veteran-Verified Hosts

Managed by military families, veterans, or DoD civilians
Understand PCS/TDY challenges
Local insights and recommendations

Where to Find Military Crash Pads Near Randolph AFB

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

Search Filters:

Price range
Pet-friendly
Number of bedrooms
Amenities (kitchen, laundry, Wi-Fi, parking)
Distance to Randolph gates

Why DoDCrashPads?

✅ All hosts are veteran-verified
✅ JTR-compliant for per diem reimbursement
✅ Secure payment and instant confirmation
✅ Reviews from other military members
✅ Direct messaging with hosts

👉 Find Crash Pads Near Randolph AFB on DoDCrashPads.com

Off-Base Hotels (If Needed)

If crash pads and on-base lodging are both full, here are military-friendly hotels:

Hampton Inn & Suites Selma

Distance: 5 miles from Randolph
Rate: $95–$120/night
Military discount: Ask at booking
Pet-friendly: Yes ($25/night fee)

Candlewood Suites Universal City

Distance: 4 miles from Randolph
Rate: $90–$115/night
Full kitchens in all rooms
Pet-friendly: Yes (no weight limit!)

La Quinta Inn Schertz

Distance: 7 miles from Randolph
Rate: $80–$100/night
Free breakfast
Pet-friendly: Yes (free!)

Special Booking Situations

Booking with Pets

Challenge: Randolph Inn has very few pet-friendly rooms (document emphasizes this repeatedly)

Solution:

Call immediately when you receive orders: 210-652-1844
Request a pet-friendly room (first-come, first-served)
Provide pet info: breed, weight, vaccination records
Pet fee: $10/night per pet (max 2 pets, 50 lbs each)

If No Pet Rooms Available:

Gateway Inn can provide local kennel list
Better option: Book a pet-friendly crash pad on DoDCrashPads.com (no weight limits, no pet fees, fenced yards!)

Booking for Families with Kids

Best Room Type: TLF (Temporary Lodging Facility)

Why TLF for Families:

1–2 bedrooms (kids don't sleep in same room as parents)
Full kitchen (cook meals, save money, accommodate picky eaters)
Living room (space for kids to play)
Some units have washer/dryer (no laundromat runs!)

Request at Booking:

Crib or pack-n-play (available upon request, free)
Ground floor (easier with strollers, less noise complaints)
Near playground (some TLF buildings are closer to playgrounds)

Booking for Long-Term Stays (30+ Days)

Challenge: TLF max stay is 30 days for PCS

Options:

Option 1: Extend TLF (If Available)

Call lodging office to request extension
Subject to availability (not guaranteed)
Pay out-of-pocket after day 10 (TLE ends)

Option 2: Move to Crash Pad (Recommended)

Book a monthly crash pad on DoDCrashPads.com
Cost: $1,200–$2,200/month (cheaper than $121/night = $3,630/month!)
Month-to-month lease (no long-term commitment)
Stay until you find a house or your lease starts

Insider Tips for Booking Randolph Lodging

1. Book the Moment You Get Orders

Don't wait "until closer to the date"—rooms are assigned first-come, first-served. The earlier you book, the more options you have.

2. Call Instead of Booking Online for Special Requests

Online systems can't handle:

Pet-friendly room requests
Specific building preferences
Crib/accessibility requests
Multi-room bookings

Call 210-652-1844 to talk to a real person.

3. Have a Backup Plan

Never assume lodging will be available, especially May–August. Have a backup:

Crash pad reservation on DoDCrashPads.com
Hotel confirmation number
Friend/family in the area

4. Check Cancellation Policies Before Booking

If your orders might change (common in the military!), confirm:

Free cancellation window (24 hours for Randolph)
How to cancel (phone, email, online)
Refund timeline

5. Use Your Non-A Statement for Full Per Diem

If forced to stay off-base, you're entitled to full per diem instead of the on-base rate (~$99–$121). This can save (or earn) you money!

Example:

On-base TLF: $121/night (out-of-pocket)
Off-base crash pad: $75/night (actual cost)
Per diem rate: $107/night (what you claim)
Profit: $32/night ($960/month on a 30-day stay!)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I book lodging before I receive official orders?

No. You must have official orders to book TDY or PCS lodging. For leisure travel, you don't need orders, but availability is space-available (last priority).

How far in advance can I book?

Official Travel (TDY/PCS): Up to 120 days
Leisure Travel: Up to 30 days

Can my spouse book lodging if I'm deployed?

Yes, if your spouse is a military dependent (has dependent ID) and is visiting the base for an authorized reason (e.g., attending school, using medical facilities). Dependent must present orders or sponsor's deployment orders at check-in.

What if I need to extend my stay?

Call the lodging office as soon as you know you need more days. Extensions are subject to availability. If lodging is full, you'll need to check out and find off-base lodging.

Can I bring a guest who's not military?

Yes, as long as you are the eligible guest and they're staying in your room. Civilian guests cannot book their own rooms unless they're DoD employees on orders.

Do I get reimbursed for on-base lodging?

TDY: Yes, you claim lodging expenses on your DTS voucher (up to per diem rate)
PCS: First 10 days eligible for TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense) reimbursement
Leisure: No reimbursement

Conclusion: Book Smart, Stay Comfortable

Booking lodging at Randolph AFB is straightforward when you know the process—but availability fills up fast during peak seasons. By booking early, understanding priority systems, and having a backup plan (like a military-friendly crash pad), you'll ensure a smooth arrival at JBSA-Randolph.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Book as soon as you receive orders (60–120 days out)
✅ Call 210-652-1844 for special requests (pets, families, TLF)
✅ Request a non-availability statement if lodging is full
✅ Have a backup plan: Book a crash pad on DoDCrashPads.com

Ready to book your Randolph AFB lodging?
👉 Call: 210-652-1844
👉 Online: af.dodlodging.net
👉 Backup Option: Find Crash Pads on DoDCrashPads.com

📌 Bookmark this guide and share it with fellow service members heading to Randolph AFB!

🔔 Stay Updated: Lodging policies and rates are subject to change—always confirm with the lodging office before booking.

Last updated: November 12, 2025 | Information sourced from official Air Force Inns and JBSA resources