Here are The Traveling Professor's tips for getting through airline security quickly and efficiently:

Get in the TSA Pre-Check Program:   For $85, this is the quickest way to get through security.   The lines can be far, far shorter than the non-TSA lines which is, for me, the primary benefit of the program.   It is not necessary to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 compliant bags, light jackets or laptops.   If enrolled in Global Entry, which by the way is paid for if owning several credit cards, like these, travelers are eligible to be enrolled in TSA pre at no additional cost.

Get to the Airport in Time:  It always seems that when people are in a rush, more bad stuff happens.  In my case, I misplace or forget things, compounding issues when I get on that security line.

Be Prepared:  When on the security line, have ID and boarding pass ready to go.  I know, sometimes you wish you had three arms, but having the proper documentation ready to go will expedite passing through security.

Be Prepared Again:  Get rid of the water, clear pockets, etc. BEFORE going through the scanner.

Pack Right:  If anything is going to delay security processing, it is going to be when they find "suspicious" items packed in bags.  Most of these items are things like liquids, electronics and what they x-ray and may be considered sharp metal objects.   Take anything like these items and separate them out of larger carry-ons and put them in a small, easy to access bag.   So, if they do choose to inspect scanned x-ray bags, they can easily inspect and identify those items as opposed to having to completely open up larger carry-on bags which can take some time.   For those who have ever flown through London Heathrow, you know what I mean.

Be Courteous:   Being courteous and prepared does a lot more for you than be nasty and upset with TSA and security personnel.   They are there to do a job and once you get past them, you're done!  I appreciate the job done by TSA agents, as unpleasant as it can be.  They appreciate your cooperation.  

Go With One Instead of Two:  When choosing a security scanner to go through, select the scanning device with one TSA agent assisting, instead of two regardless of the size of the line.   When there are two agents there it usually means one of them is in training, and they will meticulously "go by the book", detail by detail, thus slowing down the security process.