From...

by Thomas Hoffman

(IDG) -- Air travelers should avoid travel to and within 'red-light' countries such as Germany, Spain and Italy for a five-week period spanning Jan. 1 due to potential year 2000-related problems, according to a newly released report from a U.K.-based year 2000 watchdog group.

According to Taskforce 2000, a U.K. industry-funded group that monitors Y2K-related issues, travelers to these and other countries, such as Portugal, Finland and Switzerland, could be exposing themselves to travel disruptions or risking their personal safety.

According to the study, what little data is available from these countries about potential travel disruptions hasn't been positive.

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"We don't feel there's enough information available" on Y2K readiness in those countries, according to Taskforce 2000 spokesman Rob Wilson. In addition, "there's an awful lot of work that hasn't been done" with the date rollover less than two months away.

The group is advising people to avoid the "red-light" countries between Christmas and the end of January, he said.

Other countries mentioned in Taskforce 2000's 'red-light' list include Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

The report concluded that the situation in the U.S. was "too large and complex" for one rating, with specific airports needing to be viewed individually.

Taskforce 2000 also advises travelers to check the U.S. Department of Transportation Web site for additional details about some major destinations.