Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Procedure; Human Factors
While being vectored to join the final to Runway 35R Regional Approach gave a 330 degree vector and asked if we had the runway in sight. I was the PF (Pilot Flying) and my FO (First Officer) responded '330 and we will let you know when we have the airport.' Regional Approach gave an aircraft behind us the same 330 heading with a further clearance to join the localizer. As we went through the localizer with the Regional Approach controller giving other clearances I refused to transgress any further encroaching on the traffic to Runway 35C and turned the aircraft to the right to a parallel or slightly intercept heading from the west. The Regional Approach controller then said '...looks like you missed joining the localizer; turn right heading ...'' I replied to the controller; 'we missed because we were never issued instructions to join and I maneuvered back to course to avoid the traffic for the other runways.' The Regional Approach Controller repeated we were given a clearance and I asked for the tapes to be pulled.This event occurred because the Regional Approach Controller was overwhelmed and giving clearances like an auctioneer while barely allowing flight crews to respond. He was overwhelmed and underperforming on a clear night; no ceilings; and unlimited visibility. We were 45 miles from the field and instructed to slow to 210 knots. We asked if we could maintain 220 knots so as to not extend flaps 1. At 25 miles from the field we were instructed to slow to 170 so we configured to flaps 2. ATC cost [the company] a lot of money in unnecessary fuel expense last night with these ridiculous speed reductions so far from the field.
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Air Carrier flight crew reported TRACON Controller forgot to tell them to intercept the localizer.