Question 1

Whats a Crashpad?

Accepted Answer

According to CrashPad411:
A CrashPad is a temporary shared housing or accommodation for flight attendants and pilots. Usually ranging from $200 - $350 depending on amenities and distance from the airport.
(also see Why List a CrashPad)
 
Let me explain....
 
Let's say for example a pilot or flight attendant, (let's name them Jimmy)  is based in New York (JFK) but lives in San Francisco (SFO).
 
BEFORE TRIPS
 
Jimmy has a trip starting at 8am Tuesday morning.
 
The airlines pay for Jimmy's accommodations when Jimmy is 'on the clock' but Jimmy is not on the clock until 8am Tuesday!  Oyi, what to do?!
 
Where does Jimmy stay Monday night while not 'on the clock'? Hotels are EXPENSIVE especially on air-crew pay. Hmph ~
 
So you guessed it, Jimmy has himself a CrashPad!
 
Since it's Jimmy's responsibility to be in JFK at 8am Tuesday, and since paying for a hotel out of his own pocket would be cost prohibitive, Jimmy needs a CrashPad, an affordable alternative accommodation close to his home base (domicile) airport.
 
This is usually a house or apartment around 5 miles from a major airport, that is a shared living space for airline personnel.
 
Some are coed, some are for female only, some are for pilots only, etc etc.
 
Some are jam packed with bunk beds with up to 10 people in 1 room or some are just 1 - 2 bed, bed rooms people rent out of their house, and everything in between.
 
There are generally rules (see House Rules) for staying at a CrashPad including how many days per month the aircrew can stay there.
 
ON RESERVE
 
Some aircrew, for example maybe be on reserve for several days or weeks at a time. These on-reserve aircrew will have what's often called a "call out" time. Meaning, the aircrew has to be at their domicile airport within 2 - 3 hours of their "call out" for a trip from scheduling. Again, you can't be paying for a hotel near an airport while on reserve (reserve is not 'on the clock'), it's reserve to be on the clock, Oh Joy!
 
AFTER TRIPS
 
We mentioned why Jimmy might need a CrashPad before a trip or on Reserve, but here's what might happen after  trip. Let's say Jimmy finishes a trip and lands back at JFK at 9:30pm and there are no more flights back to SFO that night. Well Jimmy again needs an affordable alternative accommodation to sleep at before trying to commute back home the next day, again the answer is a CrashPad.
 
So as you can see whether it's before a trip, after a trip or sometimes to sit on reserve, aircrew user CrashPads as a temporary accommodation to facilitate their flight schedules.

Question 2

What is a Cold Bed or Hot Bed?

Accepted Answer

Crashpads offer "Cold Beds" or "hot Beds" 
A Cold bed is a reserved bed for only that crew member, even if that crewmember is gone; no one else sleeps in that space
 
A Hot bed is first come first serve bed, you arrive and take the first available bed, put your sheets on and sleep.  Crashpads that offer hot beds often rent to X+Z people per month, X being the number of beds they have, and Z being how many crew members in total they rent to a month, as crew members only need a crashpad on average 5-15 days a month. They often "over-sell" the crashpad beds in hopes that not everyone would be home on the same day

Question 3

Why MSPLuxuryCrashpads?

Accepted Answer

Established by a pilot + wife team, we provide a niche for crew housing options for airline crew. We provide fully furnished homes with no more than 3 people per room and no maximum number of days. 
 
We have experienced overcrowded dirty crashpads first hand and have devoted our rental properties to provide safe, welcoming, low occupancy home away from homes for crew members. 
 
The only Crashpad in our network is found in our name; and thats only because airline crew searches for crashpads as soon as they find out their new base. We are far from a crashpad and provide low occupancy housing units for airline crew. 
 
Not only have we eliminated the maximum number of days crew are allowed to stay, we have designated storage spaces where you can leave things behind while you're on a trip. We truly have tried to capture and furnish our homes to provide that genuine home away from home feel.

Question 4

Do I need a Car in MSP?

Accepted Answer

If you get a bed in MSPLuxuryCrashpads-- NO! (except for our pilot house in Eagan)
 
Minneapolis has a very well integrated public transit system (and its safe!)
 
The Blue Line Light rail station runs from Mall of America, to both airport terminals and ends at Target Field just north of Downtown Minneapolis. The blue line runs 24/7 every 10 minutes (between 7am-8pm; and then decreases every 15 minutes, to half hour, to hour between 1-4am).
 
Our Saint paul Crewpad is located on a busline that runs every 15 minutes for a majority of the day (and its only a $15 uber ride if you're stuck).
 
Minnesota winters can be tough to drive in if you've never driven in snow. Snow emergencies result in on-street parked cars being towed within a 24 hour notice. Avoid the white-knuckle slippery driving conditions and fear of your car being towed and trust the public transit system! Rides are ~$2-3/2.5hours depending on rush hour / non-rush hour. 
 
Download the MetroTransit app, you can buy tickets online and check live train schedules. You also can get notification if your train is running late. 
 
All of our houses are within 20 minutes of Terminal 1/2 via public transit (except our eagan pilot house ~50minutes or 15 minute drive).

Question 5

What are house rules?

Accepted Answer

Renters are expected to resolve tenant / tenant issues peacefully. If owners need to be involved immediate need to vacate may result. 
 
Each house has its own set of rules; but in general refer to the house rules established on Crashpad411:
 
Following these general guidelines will help CrashPad roomies get along. As everyone is flight crew, respecting people's quiet time, belongings and space will go a long way in keeping the peace in a CrashPad. Trust us, we understand living in a divided CrashPad over microwave usage, kitchen cleaning and bathroom considerations, ha!
 
Cleaning up after yourself
This one might be #1 and definitely goes a long way. Clean up after yourself for goodness sake! Guess what?! If your Raviolis explode the microwave, guess who’s cleaning up, yup that’s right YOU, your mom doesn’t live here.
 
Items to consider:
Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink
Wipe down counters and table tops
Do not leave your clothes, shoes, bags or other personal belongs in the living room or shared spaces
If the trash is full please take it out (Trash day should be posted somewhere)
If you have long hair, please clean the shower drain
If you pee on the seat, come on, please just clean it up
If you smoke, do not throw cigarette butts on the ground
 
(Some CrashPads offer periodic cleaning.)
 
Quiet Hours & Maximum Usage
 
Most CrashPads have ‘Quiet Time Hours’. Usually 10 PM - 8 AM so folks can get themselves some beauty sleep. Also many CrashPads have maximum days per month that the tenant can stay there. Some CrashPads have a pay structure where the more you stay, the more you pay.
 
Entry to the Location
 
CrashPad landlords should post any rules or conditions regarding accessing the CrashPad. Eg, when door codes change, any charges for lost keys, hours of gate operation, etc. etc.
 
Behave Yourself
 
It is expected that everyone should be respectful of others and not conduct unlawful or illegal acts while at the CrashPad. Everyone is expected to follow the House Rules. No downloading Porn!
 
Kitchen - Refrigerators, Cabinets & Food  
 
As a CrashPad is not a permanent residence, careful consideration must be taken in the kitchen. It is a good idea to label your food and other items whether it be in the refrigerator or the cabinets.
 
Often refrigerators have allocated space and are also cleaned out periodically. If you put a delicious snackable in there and expect no one is going to touch it over 2 weeks, you need to lower your expectations, be warned! Ha
 
It is truly very kind of you to use/fill the dishwasher, however everyone is expected to empty the dishwasher from time to time.
 
Bedding & Linens
 
Some CrashPads provide bedding, some do not. You should check with the CrashPad landlord.
 
Storage Space
 
CrashPad tenants are usually giving a closet space, some drawers in a dresser, locker or some little area where they can store a few small personal items or in the case of ‘Hot Beds’ (see below) a place to store their bedding and/or pillows. Also there is generally a baggage area, where suit cases and carry ons are kept.
 
Bunk Assignments
 
Some CrashPads have assigned beds. In this case, usually seniority wins. If a bed becomes open, the person that has been at the CrashPad longest has the right to claim the bed. Previous notice to the landlord is usually required before swapping beds.
Some CrashPads are referred to as ‘Hot Beds’, meaning there are generally more tenants than there are beds, but since everyone is never there at the same time, there are generally beds available. In this set up, a tenant usually has to strip down their bedding and put it in a closet or storage leaving the bed open for the next person. These are usually less desirable and are cheaper to rent.
 
Washer & Dryer Etiquette
CrashPad landlords should post rules for doing laundry. Sometimes people get side tract or fall asleep and forget their clothes in the washer. Is it ok to take them out and put them to the side? Or in the dryer? These rules should be expressed and posted in the washing machine area. Are there laundry hours?
 
Smoking
 
Each CrashPad will have their own rules regarding smoking.
 
Transportation & Parking
 
CrashPad landlords will generally post information in a common area with phone numbers to taxis, shuttle services, train or subway information. And landlords will provide parking information for tenants.
 
Lost or Stolen Items
 
Rules should be posted regarding the personal security and or loss of tenant's personal belongings.
 
Maintenance & Liability
 
If something requires maintenance please contact your CrashPad landlord. Don’t let it get worse and worse for your fellow CrashPad’ers. If you break something, please have a good conscience and tell your landlord so comfortable living can be maintained.
 
Rent Payments & Deposit
 
Prompt payment is always expected and penalties may apply for late payment. Deposits and rules are also CrashPad by CrashPad. What about prorating a move in or move out? Should be discussed. Are there any other expenses?
 
General No-No’s & Things to Follow
 
Do not give your door code to anyone
No overnight guests
Be considerate during TV time - volume and sharing
Turn off AC/Heat and electronics when leaving
Shut up and get off the phone! No one wants to hear the 3 hour conversation w your bestfriend back home or a lover you are fighting with. Please be considerate of others.

Question 6

How Cold is MSP in the winter?

Accepted Answer

Minneapolis gets COLD in the winter. -30F is a temperature we saw last year. It takes your breath away. 
 
Typically snow can start to fall mid November and snow storms can be expected THROUGH April (Late April 2018 we got 18 inches). Temperatures tend to stay above zero November and December and can dip BELOW 0F for a week at a time throughout January and February. Typically temperatues stay above 0F beyond March. But anything is possible. The best thing is to be ready to hop a flight to PHX/MIA/MCO/PSP/LAX/SAN/LAS occassionally throughout the winter to warm up. 
 
Dress accordingly! I CANNOT stress this enough! It is cold. it is going to be cold. Frostbite is a real medical issue that can happen here & can have life-long consequences. Warmth & function need to take precidence over looking cute, especially on the walk to the train. Dress in layers! Warm Boots, snow pants to protect your nylon covered legs from the freezing air, a sweater, a WARM jacket, gloves or mittens (i like mittens more because it adds extra warmth), a warm scarf and a HAT (you can fix your hair at the airport!) are necessities. Leave your boots/snow pants neatly stacked in the crew lounge and pick them up after your trip.
 
If you bring your car here, make sure you have the antifreeze drained and add minnesota antifreeze which can handle colder temperatures. Additionally, snow tires may be needed to help prevent sliding / slipping while driving. Additionally, an ice-scraper is needed, you can get a ticket if you dont clear your windows of frost. I would recommend extra warm clothes to be stored in your car incase you get stuck. A small shovel & a blanket are also recommended. 
 
Check AAA for other tips on surviving MN winters.

Question 7

Do I have to sign a Lease?

Accepted Answer

No! 80% of our beds are in our traditional Month to month crew houses/ crewpads / crashpads. 
 
We request a 1 month rent as a security deposit. This reserves your bed, as we cannot fully reserve your bed until security deposit is received. Security deposit is refundable with one-calendar month notice, key return and a clean/damage free departure. Yes-- we know transfers have been posting later and later and not allowing for a full month notification. We are in the business to provide nice homes for crew; if we are able to fill the space with less than one month notice we will offer a refund for the departing tenant-- help us find your replacement to ensure you get your deposit back! 
 
Having opened our homes to crew for over five years, we have learned there are other needs. We have expanded our network to include fully furnished condos for those wanting more privacy than they get from a multi-person crew house. The condos request a 6month to 1 year lease but often the commitment comes with a discount. 
 
We also have a part-time realtor onboard to help you buy your own home if you want to make MSP your permanent home (a minimum of 3-5 year stay is recomended for real estate purchase).

Question 8

Is bedding / linens provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We open our homes to you to be stressfree. Simply bring yourself and a few things you may need. Bedding and linens are provided as well as basic kitchen supplies. 
 
Disposable items are likely tenant responsibility to replace as owners like to maximize privacy & not intrude to check on the level of toilet paper. 
 
Each house in our network is different. Make sure you confirm with the owner directly

Question 9

What if I don't know anyone?

Accepted Answer

I have created an inclusive Facebook group private to tenants of MSPLuxuryCrashpads. With over 60 *cold* beds across our network in over 11 units we want to make sure everyone can find a friend while here in Minneapolis. 
 
Upon payment, kindly friend Owner Andrea and she can make sure you're invited to our Crashpadders facebook group; whether you're looking for someone to shop with, get your nails done, see a movie, hang out at happy hour, grab some dinner, explore the city etc!
 
We understand finding spots together with friends is a priority especially coming out of training, but when you join our network you are never alone! Our houses are very close to each other and easy to get to other houses via public transit. The big key is getting into our network and you will always have a friend.

Question 10

Who is Owner Andrea?

Accepted Answer

I am a Minnesota Local, I grew up not far from the Mall of America and I developed a love of travel at a young age; my dad was a NorthWest airline mechanic and I've lived the non-rev life ever since I was a toddler. 
 
I went to college to pursue a career in the health-field. While I was traveling the world my now husband located me online while I was couch-surfing Australia on my own. Alot of our ideals were borrowed from the couchsurfing community. My husband worked for Skywest for years; we know the in's and outs of SkedPlus and I thrive on the challenges of non-rev life. 
 
We too are people and understand how stressful it can be to start out and being thrown into a new city by yourself. In our network you are never alone; we have a facebook group connecting all of our tenants to plan outtings / find friends etc. 
 
Aside from conversing with airline crew and welcoming them to MSP, I work a full time job at a local hospital pharmacy & have recently gotten my real estate license. My husband is a full time pilot now with Sun country and I love the challenge of finding the obscure routes to achieve all the bucket list items :)

Question 11

MSP Housing Options?

Accepted Answer

Through the years we have heard crew housing can be limited. Please be careful while responding to ads on craigslist; we have had an increase in complaints about scammers taking advantage of crew. 
 
Crashpads: There are a few houses that have popped up and provide a traditional crashpad experience. 
 
HotelPads: Newly opened, hot bunks & commuter requirements. 
 
Condos: leases required & you may need to provide your own furnishings
 
AirBNB: Check to see if there are longer term rentals
 
Hotels: LaQuinta is a well-known commuter hotel, 55$/night crew rate with an airport shuttle. 
 
MSPLuxuryCrashpads: We have only cold beds and provide home away from home on a monthly basis. We have three different types of crew housing options available!

BASE PLACE TO CALL YOUR OWN

Short Term Rentals Exclusively for Airline Crew