British Airways says the proposed pay deal is "reasonable"

Thousands of its members, based mainly at Heathrow and Gatwick, will be sent ballot papers, with a result in August.

The union said strikes would bring those and other major airports to a halt "almost instantly".

Earlier this week BA baggage handlers and check-in staff rejected a three-year pay deal.

The company had proposed a deal worth 8.5% over three years, or 10.5% if the money did not count towards pensions.

'Poverty line'

After GMB members rejected the proposed deal by 98%, union officer Ed Blissett said both offers were "completely unacceptable".

Describing the workers as "the people who keep BA flying", he added: "There is money sloshing around at BA for the board, managers and pilots.

"Some of it must be paid to our members to keep them living above the poverty line."

The collapse in negotiations came after a two-week "cooling period" aimed at resolving a pay dispute affecting around 8,000 workers at UK airports.

We have absolutely no wish to see the public inconvenienced or see holidays disrupted GMB national officer Allan Black

The Transport and General Workers' Union, representing the most baggage handlers, said it was preparing to hold a strike ballot but expected more talks with BA.

The GMB described the negotiations, held under the umbrella of conciliation service Acas, as "abortive".

National officer Allan Black said they regretted the need to consider strike action just before the UK's peak holiday season.

He said: "We have absolutely no wish to see the public inconvenienced or see holidays disrupted. Nor do we want to see our already struggling members lose money.

'Extremely disappointed'

"We stand ready to resume discussions via our negotiating machinery at any time. However, BA will have to come back prepared to hold talks that are meaningful and aimed at a solution."

But BA stood by its pay offer to the unions, which it deemed to be "reasonable".

A spokeswoman for BA said: "We would be extremely disappointed if the GMB has decided to ballot its members, particularly given our ongoing efforts to work alongside Acas and the unions to find a resolution."

Check-in workers caused serious disruption at Heathrow airport last summer when they staged an unofficial walkout.

That dispute concerned a row over working conditions, including the use of swipe cards to clock in and out of work.