B737-700
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 392; Flight Crew Type 4000
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
On descent we were speaking to TRACON. We were on vectors for the visual for 26R. TRACON called out traffic for 26L; another carrier's heavy; we advised in sight and would maintain visual. TRACON then stated; 'Roger; follow the other carrier...he's for the left; you are cleared the visual 26R'. As we proceeded inbound; at about the time we pulled abeam the other carrier; ATC blasted us and said; 'Company; what are you doing? I told you to follow the other carrier!' The Captain responded with; 'We understood he was for the left; we are for the right...how do we 'follow' to separate runways'' TRACON did not like our query...we were never told that the other carrier 'should not be passed; etc.' At that time; we received a Climb RA. We responded to RA for a short climb; followed by an uneventful landing on 26R. The other carrier also received an RA and chose to go-around. 'Company is cleared the visual 26R; the other carrier is for the left do not pass or overtake.' This is a phrase we have all heard; and complied with. The Controller upon initial check-in was clearly agitated with all four aircraft he was handling. He was very 'testy' in ALL his transmissions.
[Narrative #2 contained no additional information.]
Air Carrier was instructed to 'follow' traffic that was landing on a parallel runway confusing the flight crew; the reporter noting the clearance was unclear and a 'do not pass' instructions should have been issued if required by ATC.