Getting back on-topic, I have had rewards gifts backfire.

Gave a free ticket anywhere-you-want-to-go to another niece upon college graduation. It was intended to be a last fling for her before marriage/career/etc. She saved it until years after getting married and requested a skiing trip for her (along with hubby; who paid his own way, to be truthful). But that was not my intent. I learned from this, and the next one will be for my selected dates, no changes allowed.

Gave two free tix for my best friend in the whole world and his father to the Oshkosh fly-in/air show. Didn't allow for best friend's daughter propensity to screw up dad's life, and dad's propensity to let her do so. Wound up redepositing the miles for a nominal sum.

Other situations have worked out great, and they are by far in the majority. But it does pay to be careful.

He is still holding on, but more poorly, and has certainly lived beyond the doctor's estimations, which of course is a wonderful thing. It wasn't a scam, they are good people. Perhaps it is just an example that even some good people can become self centered when a life ending disease ends. It is just disappointing that we never rec'd any feedback from their trip we gifted them, especially since it was one we would have taken but then couldn't.
But then again, we have our health. (and a lesson learned!)

Still single? cause i'll be appreciative! :D

Take it from a UA 1K: United does not require you to be contacted if the traveling party shares your surname.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
 

I believe this speaks for itself.
Been there.

After reading this thread I was a little hesitant to go ahead with my plans to offer two tickets to Hawaii to my aunt and uncle for my uncle's 80th birthday. I went out to San Diego this past week-end to help celebrate. My uncle has been wanting to go back to Hawaii. So I started the week-end with conversations about their travel plans, and were they still going to Hawaii, ...instead they had plans to Australia, etc. Before the trip to San Diego, my aunt made it clear, no presents, just presence. Anyway, on the last morning before leaving, I told them what I wanted to give them, and their look on their faces was priceless, excited and appreciative. I made it clear that it isn't always easy to get those tickets so I would need possible dates (I actually have since looked at was surprised that there is availablility). They talked about maybe doing a cruise. Anyway, I also told them about this thread!!!! but that I knew that they would appreciate it as they use award travel whenever they can from NY to CA, and credit me with everything that they now know about FF Programs. (They now have an AMEX starpoints card, get those 5K bonus for transfering to an airline, etc, etc. Everytime I learned something, I pass it on). They will not think it is "free" therefore worthless, because they themselves know what it is like to save enough miles for a trip. So, reading this thread didn't stop me, I just made sure to include the possible limitations so I don't end up paying for two tickets when I have all these miles. They will be happy with coach tickets. My recommendation. Don't make the offer by phone. The expressions on their faces was PRICELESS :) :p ^

Not miles, but hotel points.

Offered to put up my cousin at the Sheraton NY and towers on New Year's eve a couple years ago. Ungrateful brat returned home and complained to everyone that the hotel is too far from Time Square, and that I should have put him in the Doubletree or the Marriott Marquis.

Incredible. At least you know that will be the last gift you ever give to THAT family member.

dgordon, good for you to send your aunt and uncle to Hawaii for your uncle's 80th birthday. ^ While we've focused on the downside of gifts in this thread, so many times the flights and hotels are gratefully received. We sent both sets of parents on trips for their 40th anniversaries. One set chose Europe; the other set chose Hawaii. Both trips were rousing successes.

I posted earlier in this thread, but my brother is getting married and going on his honeymoon next month. Had he actually said something to me about his travel plans, I would have seen what I could have done for at least one plane ticket.

Re: "Young broke and fabulous": I got caught reading that book in first class. Oops :) But hey, it was only on a $250 ticket.

My own marriage: By the time I end up getting married (not really in the picture at this point), I'll most likely be settled in to a six figure career, so I really won't be asking anybody for anything. As far as that six figger a year career goes, I get to take my aptitude test tommorrow. It's a brand-new-never-been-seen-before test that I'll have to cross my fingers and hope I do well on.

...???

Can you take a test and, if you do well, they give you a six figure job?

Maybe its a test to see if you can actually do something worth six figures.

Big Lar and P Gary:

Yup and Yup. I'm sure you guys have read about that rumored "air traffic controller" shortage. You do have to have at least a two-year degree (from a specific list of schools), pass the aptitude test, a physical, psych eval, and background check. The way they are placing new hires now, I should be making six figures a year within three years of getting hired. I just took the test, btw, and it wasn't too bad. My "two year degree" after a BS and flight experience turned out to be 18.5 credits.

Honestly, if I was 18 and wanted to chase money, I'd find a two-year school (community college) that offers an ATC curriculum, graduate within 2 years, get on the FAA hiring list, and find other alternatives to finish off a four year degree. The hiring process is a royal PITA, so you need to have something to do while waiting for the FAA "to call." By doing a two-year degree first, hopefully you'll have a training slot close to the end of finishing off your four year degree. If you pursue the four year option from the get go, you have to wait until you graduate *and then* get on the hiring list. Then you have to waste time and try to avoid paying off your student loans until then.

Actually, considering your spendthrift niece, this one showed a lot of financial smarts. Sure, it may not have been a "last fling," but it was used in a way she saw fit. I wouldn't berate yourself for her delayed gratification, nor try to be too controlling. I trust she was properly appreciative. If so, you should feel good about your generosity. ^ ^

I once redeemed Amex MR points for a Morton's certificate and donated the certificate to a silent auction fundraiser. The buyer failed to use the certificate by the expiration date and whined a lot that I wouldn't "renew" the certificate, which of course I couldn't. NGDSGU.