Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 276
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure; Situational Awareness; Confusion; Distraction
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Procedure; Environment - Non Weather Related; Airport
Flight to MDW was normal other than being late. Upon contact with MDW Tower; we were told to keep our approach tight and plan minimal time on the runway for departures. Upon landing; we were told to exit at 13R; and if we could not make that runway; exit at the forward high speed (D) and taxi on the forward high speed only. We understood this to mean we were not cleared onto Taxiway Y for some reason. We cleared onto D; but could not actually get completely clear of the runway because we thought we had to hold short of D. Tower did clear a plane to take off behind us; and we were not actually on the runway. We just weren't past the hold short markings. Upon switching to Ground; we could not contact them due to congestion. When we were finally able to talk to Ground; they told us to clear the runway and join Y. We then taxied to the gate without any further problems. They reminded us that we were allowed to join Y upon clearing the runway per the AIM; but we thought Tower restricted us from joining Y. Looking back; perhaps Tower wanted us to join the forward high speed only as opposed to the reverse; but the wording led to confusion on our part if that is what was intended.
We contacted Ground Control who gave us taxi instructions; and then stated we should have gotten further from the runway onto the taxiway. I told him; 'We were cleared to exit the forward high speed exit only.' He said; 'The AIM states you can turn onto a taxiway to clear the runway;' which we knew. I just wasn't sure the way the clearance was given whether we should or not.
After landing at MDW and told by ATC to exit at the Taxiway D only; the confused crew stopped prior to Taxiway Y and remained there until ATC gave further clearance along with an admonishment about not clearing the runway.