Ultimate Rewards Drops Partner Korean Aug 25: Reasons to Transfer Now

Ultimate Rewards, the rewards currency of various Chase credit cards, transfer to nine airline loyalty programs...

Aer Lingus

British Airways

Iberia

Korean Air

Singapore Airlines

Southwest Airlines

United Airlines

Virgin Atlantic

Flying Blue (Air France, KLM)

...and three hotel programs.

Hyatt Gold Passport
IHG
Marriott Rewards

As of August 25, you can cross Korean Air off of that list.
How bad is this?
First Class flyers to Asia are probably pretty pissed off.

Quick SPG/Marriott Merger Prep Checklist

August 18--the day Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott Rewards are merging into one unified loyalty program--is Saturday. Below is a checklist of things to make sure you've done before then, as well as some things you should wait to do on merger day/as close to it as possible (whenever their award booking reservation system comes online).

Identify SPG and Marriott hotels you want to book, and check if they are going up in price with the merger book before August 18.