You know what would really show them. First give back all the raises you got since Southwest bought you. When you upgrade make sure to call payroll and tell them you want the Airtran rates not the Southwest rates. Also make sure to give every bit of profit sharing back since this airline cannot be forgiven for making you merge less than relative even though your contract was significantly less than that of Southwest and you bet that your 7 years seniority should have gone in front of someone who has been here 20.

Next reject immediately reject this retro bonus as it wasn't AT that provided it for you. Followed by once again making sure that you call payroll and make sure you stay on the Airtran contract pay rates and not those negotiated between the SWA and SWAPA. You know the two that screwed you over.

Next you need to make some signs that say "SWA is not my Airline" and go and protest in front of headquarters until they give the airtran guys back their subpar contract and take back all the extra pay that the vast majority of AT folks have made since the acquisition.

Otherwise stay bitter and make sure to tell everyone that you fly with how much you got screwed. I am sure they will respond with the kindness and understanding that whiny babies deserve.