EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Airspace Structure; Human Factors
In level cruise flight at FL320 on the arrival; received a clearance from ATC to descend to FL300; leaving FL310 turn right 30 degrees; 'S' turns for spacing. I read back the instructions and we initiated the descent and turn.Approximately 30;400 FT; ATC issued instructions to climb to FL320. I inquired the climb instructions and ATC confirmed the altitude. I asked if he still needed the 30 degree right turn; and he issued instructions to go direct to a VOR; reaching FL320. We complied; and I reported when level and direct to the VOR. Shortly after; we noticed [a regional jet] check in on frequency. The First Officer and I discussed what happened; and we both agreed we heard our call sign and flight number when issued the descent and turn. We believe the controller meant to issue those instructions to [the regional jet]; as he gave them similar instructions shortly after they checked in. I wanted to file this report; in case I did make a read back error and accepted a clearance for another aircraft. ATC did not make any issue of it and we continued on. Threats were unawareness of a similar sounding call sign and the potential for a read back error. Although we believe we were in compliance with ATC instructions; an UAS (Undesired Aircraft State) occurred as it required a change in altitude and direction.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
The flight crew of an Embraer reported that due to similar call signs they complied with instructions from ATC for a different aircraft.