EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Human Factors
We were deviating north of weather on SKNRD 2 arrival. Originally given AEX transition then it changed to direct EGULZ which is on the SWB transition. We joined the arrival at EGULZ. Then we needed more deviations. We were given a series of southerly courses and step down altitudes from our cruise altitude which I think was in the mid-30s. We then were instructed to fly direct DOOBI and descend maintain 12;000 feet. A minute or two after we were instructed to descend via the arrival. Which we complied with. We slowed our descent rate to comply with the arrival and intercept the VPI. We then switched from Houston Center to Houston Approach. We checked in with 'Houston Approach passing FL250 descending via the SKNRD 2 Arrival' We crossed DOOBI between the published altitudes of FL190-220 at 280 knots. At that time Approach asked us why weren't we at 12;000 feet crossing DOOBI. We explained we were given descend via with no restrictions by the previous controller. He told us he would look into it with the previous controller. Soon after another crew; behind us; busted the altitude as well with the same incorrect instructions issued from the previous controller. The major threat was the possibility of a RA or near miss because of the lack of communication between the two controllers. As a group we need to do better at making sure we are all on the same page with these arrivals. Especially when there is a weather event affecting them. They can be confusing especially with this new phraseology. Primarily the two controllers (center and approach) absolutely need to be on the same page. Or at least catch us checking on with incorrect instructions.
Air Carrier First Officer is informed by ATC that the assigned crossing restriction at DOOBI of 12;000 feet has been missed. The crew thought the clearance was to descend via the SKNRD 3 to maintain 12;000 feet and crossed DOOBI at the published altitude.