No dates have been set for the action, but it raises the threat of summer walkouts which would cause havoc for thousands of travellers.
It is the first time Virgin pilots have agreed to strike and the first pilot strike in the UK for 32 years.
Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan said: "Pilots do not want to strike and are hugely disappointed by the company's approach... there comes a time when even moderate people say 'enough'."
Disruption as we head into the busy summer months is bad news for consumers.Bob Atkinson, travelsupermarket.com
Mr McAuslan said: "If damage is to be avoided and passengers not inconvenienced then Sir Richard needs to act now."
Balpa said Virgin pilots had been subjected to a six-year "attack" on their living standards, having received no pay increase since 2008 and a below-inflation offer for 2011.
The union, which represents most of Virgin's 750 pilots, said it decided to ballot its members because it had expected a bigger pay deal this year.
Virgin Atlantic said in a statement: "We are naturally disappointed with the result of the ballot but remain committed to further talks with our pilots' representatives to find a solution.
Virgin Chief Executive Steve Ridgway's Response
"We have made an industry-leading offer to Balpa that is double the national average for a UK business.
"We value our pilots enormously and that is why we have offered three guaranteed pay rises in the next two and a half years and a share of company profits."
Bob Atkinson, of online comparison service travelsupermarket.com, urged the airline and union to secure a deal that would avoid disruption to passengers.
He said: "The last thing that any holidaymaker or business traveller needs is uncertainty over their travel plans and the threat of flight cancellations.
"Disruption as we head into the busy summer months is bad news for consumers."
IMI Team
+844 474 8393
info@imiparking.co.uk
www.imiparking.co.uk
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