Staff Sgt. Jason Magnuson, based at Hickam Air Force Base, prepares a package today while waiting in line at the main post office at Honolulu International Airport. The lines were moving quickly. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

By mid-morning, the main post office at the airport had been bustling for hours but the lines were moving quickly.

Elaine and Eugene Yoshimi of Salt Lake got out of the post office in minutes with the help of the new Automated Postal Center, which allows customers to weigh and mail letters and packages and buy stamps without having to stand in line.

Usually, the Yoshimis plan ahead. "This is the first time I'm getting caught in the last-minute mailing-out," Elaine Yoshimi said. "It came too fast," added Eugene Yoshimi.

Honolulu postmaster Frank Santos added the human touch by helping the Yoshimis learn how to use the machine. They needed the help because they had underestimated the postage. Now, they're sold on the technology. "It's terrific," she said.

Elaine Yoshimi said it reminded her of now-standard automated teller machines that banks use, where people were leery at first but eventually embraced the technology.

Santos said the airport machines got good use last week, racking up nearly $8,000 worth of postage sold on Saturday alone. He suspects that last Thursday or Saturday may work out to be busiest mailing days for the airport but he won't know until the week wraps up.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Magnuson, of Hickam, said his mailing habits this year matched those of other seasons: "I'm just as late."

He said the shorter lines helped speed the process, although he knows his delays come with a price. "It costs me more every year," he said.

Since the last recommended days for mailing passed last week, workers offer encouragement but few guarantees.

One tip? Express mail. It costs more — mailing a two-pound package costs $5.75 priority mail and $17.55 by express — but improves the chance for a Christmas delivery.