Abstract: Based on the energy conservation principle and thermal dynamics equations, an analytical model of soft landing considering the elasticity of airbag fabric was proposed. Using this model, the feasible range of design parameters and the initial design parameters were determined. With the initial parameters, the genetic algorithm method was used to carry out the optimization of the airbag system. Comparative analysis shows that the feasible range method is suitable for the initial parameters design, and the genetic algorithm can easily obtain the global optimal solution based on the result of the feasible range method. These distinctive features inspired us to propose a multi-level optimization for a complex airbag cushioning system design, and this optimal method can take advantage of the two algorithms.