An ashtray is a receptacle for ash from cigarettes and cigars. Ashtrays are typically made of fire-retardant material such as glass, heat-resistant plastic, pottery, metal, or stone. It differs from a cigarette receptacle, which is used specifically for discarding cigarettes after being smoked.
The FAA requires an ashtray as “minimum equipment” on an aircraft and should a plane have an ashtray that does not function properly, it must be replaced within three days. In 2009 a British Airways flight from London Heathrow was reportedly delayed due to a “vital” part being missing, as reported by Time.