Miscommunication, conflicting information, bad information

You can find examples of mixed/conflicting communications and messaging every day, ranging from companies to governments to people and just about every entity.

This one below caught my attention as I am preparing to fly out of/into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for the first time. I checked parking as the next two weeks are peak times for Austin travel, with both SXSW and spring break going on at the same time.

Airport parking motto: “Park with ease” … you can read the excerpts from the official website and 2023 press release below to see the contradictions between the much touted reserved parking program’s stated aims and reality.

1. Reserved parking is expressly for peace of mind and stress reduction. See the first screenshot below which is a rotating image on the top of the current website home page, the the second screenshot from the FAQs about parking reservations, and the third screenshot from the 2023 press release about the new reservation feature.
2. Note that the second and third specifically mention the system will be especially helpful during busy/peak periods.
3. So far so good … that’s what I want! Except … the fourth screenshot is on the website not far below the rotating image about reserved parking … saying that because of “high volumes of travelers” (i.e., busy/peak period) reserved parking is suspended. (I didn’t add the bolding/red … that’s the way it looks!)
4. In other words, the system to provide “park with ease” and peace of mind during busy/peak periods has been suspended due to a busy/peak period!
5. Adding to the confusion is the reason for suspension: “helps ensure parking is available to all customers.” If parking is available for all customers without the reservation system, even during busy/peak periods, then the reservation system isn’t needed. The only reason for a reservation system for “peace of mind” is if parking runs out at times. Or maybe the stated reason is code for some other reason to suspend reservations? Keep it weird, Austin 😉
   

Have you checked your communications lately? Checked with your customers to see if what you think you are communicating is what they think you are communicating?