No catch really. You do however have to pay the taxes on the flight of $11.20 roundtrip. As far as your wife. She too can get a card (subject to credit approval) and issue the tickets to whomever she wants. As far as after you get the reward, you can switch to the non annual fee card at the end of the year and still get the reward redemption fee (under 6 months) waived. Also make sure you use your card from time to time to keep your miles active as miles expire after 6 months of non FF activity.