You can make it perfectly flat by closing the kickstand or by remembering it is a tablet by folding the keyboard back (or just ripping it off and cramming it into the seat pocket). Since it sounds like you're actually trying to type, I've never found typing at the height of those skinny trays to be acceptable anyhow.

I find it funny everyone here is calling it a "laptop". If that's what you have, then use it on your lap. Funny how a "laptop" is desired to solve the problem of resting it on a "tray". And incidentally, they are called notebooks, not laptops. The surface pro is a tablet, that happens to have a keyboard attached most of the time. Balance the actual "tablet" on your lap, and let the keyboard flop over your seatbelt. It won't get scratched like a metal notebook does.

I do miss being able to have my 15" screen behind the skinny J tray with keyboard under. Could easily type and trackpad gesture away while still eating, while keyboard/wristrest area fully protected from food spillage. Oh well, that's what happens when you forget your computer onboard. Hurry up Apple and announce the macbookpro refresh already!