Is turning an offer down a bridge burner?
 

I don't think it is but just wanted to get your perspective. I am interviewing with companies X, Y, Z.

Let's say they all make me an offer and I choose company X and tell companies Y and Z no thanks.

A few years down the road, I think I made a mistake and would like to go to company Z.

Will company Z consider that I turned them down with an offer in the past as a negative?

Like most things, it depends.

GF

Entirely to many variables and personalities to consider without knowing more about Company Z.

I find that honesty is key in these type of scenarios.
Just recently I was offered a job flying after I had signed a 2 yr commitment to instruct. On the face of it, I'm silly not to take the job flying, but when I explain why I must turn down the offer "at this time" it clarifies where you are coming from.
- keeping your word and commitment
- people put their name on the line for you.
- family commitments

So long story short.....if Company Z took it negatively and refused to talk with you, then it shows something about who they are and likely you don't want to work for them

It’s all in the message.
Same as their “thanks but no thanks” letter.
‘Thank you very much for the opportunity. However I have decided to pursue....’
‘ Should another opportunity arise in the future’
Use the names of the people that interviewed you.
To me that would read as you’ve gotten a better offer but I’ll still send you an email next time around.
Nothing wrong with taking a better opportunity.

In my experience, it's mostly dependent on the size of the company: someone in HR at a small company, i.e., 100-150 pilots or less, might take your refusal personally and blacklist you, whereas HR at a larger co (that doesn't have just a couple of HR people or a single chief pilot) won't - they can't afford to, especially in the current job market.

They determined you were the caliber of pilot they wanted to bring to their flight department.
If, in a few years, they hold your "not now" answer against you, it's not the company culture you want to work with. Be glad they showed their cards, and move on.