For infrequent fliers (less than once or twice a month) I would recommend just getting a decent rewards card--not necessarily a mileage earning card. For example, an AMEX charge card would be a great 1%er...or go with an Arrival. Us weirdo's that travel very often like the airline branded cards not so much for the mileage earning, but for the additional perks. My United card grabs me club access and 2 free checked bags--the $395 is worth itself 10-20 times over for me/year.
BLUF: Consider a normal rewards card over an airline branded card if the annual fee doesn't make sense.
