Car seats (better if used on the plane, but not all do) and strollers are much better off being gate checked as they aren't handled as much and are put into the cargo hold last/come out first. There is much less of a chance of damage as well as them being lost.
When you get to your gate ask for a gate check tag for the stroller and attach it (some people wait until boarding and then the airline personnel have to waste time attaching it for you)...then when you board the plane, just leave your collapsed stroller on the jetway at the curve right before you enter the plane. There generally is an exit door there.
When you arrive at your destination, your stroller will be sitting in the same place on the jetway. Sometimes they will even open the stroller up for you!
Good luck!