The flight crew of an embraer reported that due to similar call signs they complied with instruction...

Narrative:

In level cruise flight at FL320 on the arrival; received a clearance from ATC to descend to FL300; leaving FL310 turn right 30 degrees; 'south' 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.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: The flight crew of an Embraer reported that due to similar call signs they complied with instructions from ATC for a different aircraft.

Narrative: 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.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	1480551
Time
Date	201709
Local Time Of Day	0601-1200
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.ARTCC
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Cruise
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Captain Pilot Not Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Person 2
Function	First Officer Pilot Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Conflict Airborne Conflict Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude Deviation - Procedural Clearance Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy Deviation - Track / Heading All Types

The flight crew of an embraer reported that due to similar call signs they complied with instructions from ATC for a different aircraft.