This card's valuable benefits — including useful ones that other airline cards don’t offer — set it apart, making it worth the annual fee, even if you fly United only occasionally.

It’s a joy to read about senior midshipmen receiving their ship assignments with appropriate attire.

If you consider lounge access a must-have and you frequently fly (and check bags on) United, then this card's jumbo annual fee can be a relative bargain. Occasional travelers should look elsewhere ...