Consumer Payments That Bypass Credit Cards and 4 Other Aviation Trends This Week

Throughout the week we post dozens of original stories, connecting the dots across the travel industry, and every weekend we sum it all up. This weekend roundup examines aviation.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>Care to buy a plane ticket without needing a credit card? Soon a few airlines will test enabling air travelers to pay for their tickets by taking payments directly from consumer accounts. Three cheers for testing innovations: Airlines to Test Consumer Payments That Bypass Credit Cards for Direct Sales

>>CEO Gordon Wilson of Travelport says his technology company is making it easier for airlines to display on travel agency “shelves” their content in the way they want. If true, that could significantly help airlines maximize their revenue: Skift Tech Forum Preview: Travelport’s CEO on a New Era for Airline Merchandising

>>Despegar will need to become even more of a force in Latin America if it hopes to tempt major shareholder Expedia Group into acquiring it: Despegar Attempts to Expand Further Beyond Flights

>>On one hand, Delta’s frequent flyers have a less-effective loyalty program. But on the other, they’re flying a great airline: Delta’s Investments Pay Off in Business Traveler Loyalty

>>Poor Gogo. Its stock is getting pummeled in public markets, and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of hope among investors. How will the company respond? Investors Are Giving Up on Gogo Even as Airlines Add Wi-Fi